I wanted to do what I could to support our local wildlife so Kent Wildlife Trust was the obvious choice.
We live near to Pegwell Bay nature reserve, where they manage the land with some gorgeous Konik horses and highland cattle. Wandering around the reserve, listening to and spotting a wide selection of birds that call the area home is my chosen dose of wellbeing when the world gets a bit frantic.
I have also occasionally volunteered with Shoresearch, which surveys the beach to record what can be found, and I have learnt so much more about this invaluable habitat by doing so.
© Elaine Newman
Study days & member benefits
Since becoming a member with KWT I have taken part in a couple of their Wildlife Study Days, one at Ham Fen (which I didn’t know existed before!) and a beaver ecology day in Fordwich. Both of these have been fabulous experiences and I would highly recommend them. I learnt so much about our local wildlife, and what it needs to thrive.
Receiving the member’s magazine each month is a real bonus of being a member as it keeps me up to date with what is happening around the county for nature. I love receiving updates about how the bison at Blean are getting on, and the choughs in Dover.
As a teacher, I have been involved in the Wilder Kent Awards scheme with Kent Wildlife Trust.
This has given us a structured focus in the school and helped us to make our school a much more environmentally-friendly place to be.
Wellesley Haddon Dene - Gold Award Winners
Recently, I have also been part of one of the KWT campaigns - Rethink Sea Link. National Grid plan to use Pegwell Bay (and Minster Marshes) for an enormous converter station, destroying masses of wildlife in the process. Rethink Sea Link has raised the profile of this issue and we are hopeful that an alternative site for National Grid will be found.
Overall, I am very proud to be a member of KWT and would (and do) encourage anyone who wants to support local wildlife to sign up.
-- Kerry Sabin-Dawson
Become a member for less this January
Join before the end of January to get 50% off your membership for all membership types, including individual, joint and family! Enjoy perks including quarterly magazine, exclusive emails, and more.
Plus, in your first year with us, we’ll send you a free pack of wildflower seeds so you can bring the magic home, as well as a birthday card with a special offer to thank you for your support.
Support wildlife for less by becoming a member this month.