Anne Gladwin, Project Manager, Links with Nature

"I have worked in nature conservation throughout my career and always recognised the importance of wildlife-rich greenspaces close to where people live. The health benefits of spending time in nature have become increasingly recognised and evidenced. I personally feel so much better at the end of the day if I’ve managed to find time for a walk through a local wild space. Developing Links with Nature, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, has been particularly rewarding as it has allowed the project team to work with communities to empower them to rediscover and experience wildlife, and reap the benefits from greater nature connectedness. I am passionate about playing a part in helping nature recover in the North East and enabling others to enjoy wildlife.”

Ruby Merriman, Bluespaces Delivery Manager, Durham Wildlife Trust

“Hi! I’m Ruby and I’m the Bluespaces Delivery Manager at Durham Wildlife Trust. My role and the Bluespaces scheme are funded by Northumbrian Water, and I work closely with them as well as local charities, organisations, and community groups to help fund and deliver improvements to accessible water environments. These improvements include better access, increasing biodiversity and improving water quality. My area spans all the way from the Scottish borders to parts of the North York Moors, and I’m lucky enough to support a huge variety of projects managed by amazing organisations and individuals.”

Mary-Anne Rielly, Conservation Volunteer Coordinator, Durham Wildlife Trust

“A career change which took me into the conservation sector was the best move I could have made, albeit a brave step taken somewhat suddenly after becoming disillusioned with a previous job a few years ago! I started out in Durham Wildlife Trust as a trainee, taking the opportunity during this time to learn absolutely as much as I could, gaining a range of new skills and knowledge in the process. When my traineeship came to a close, I was delighted to be offered the position of Conservation Volunteer Coordinator, helping others take advantage of the opportunity I had already enjoyed. No two days are the same, I get to spend lots of my week in the great outdoors, working with like-minded, dedicated people, and I know that my work makes a real difference to the natural world in the North East, protecting wildlife for future generations.”

Katie Armstrong, Development Officer - Data and Marketing

“One of the best things about working for Durham Wildlife Trust is being able to see the difference your work is making – and to see the existing support by so many towards the Trust. As a marketing officer, there is nothing nicer than sharing the vital conservation work carried out by Durham Wildlife Trust, and engaging the local community in taking action for wildlife.  

“I have only worked for the Trust for six months, but a lot has happened in this time. Only a month into my new role, a new boardwalk was unveiled at Low Barns Nature Reserve – the perfect spot to walk to on my lunchbreak and the best place to see starling murmurations in the winter. There are so many ways to get involved with Durham Wildlife Trust; from gardening for wildlife, to becoming a member of the Trust, every little action can make a big difference to our natural world.”