Matt Norman reflects on his time as a Trustee with VWT.

In 2010 I spotted an advert online placed by a charity seeking a new Trustee with investment experience. There soon followed a cup of coffee with the CEO and Chairman, a meeting with the remaining Trustees to see if there was a fit…and before you know it, ten years serving as a Trustee flashed by!

In spite of joining the Trust in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis and at a time when some difficult board decisions had to be made for the longevity of the VWT, the quality and togetherness of everyone involved from Trustees and management through to staff and volunteers, was (and indeed remains) something quite special to behold. VWT’s family-like culture and science-led approach still continues and enables it to continue to punch well above its weight.

Visiting Bronsil each year to hear in person how the various projects have advanced and seeing how the staff develop has been an absolute pleasure and become a part of my annual year end routine, alongside the Trust Christmas parties. My favourite memory however is clear – the Board’s decision to ‘go for it’ with regards to the ambitious and indeed costly pine marten recovery plan. That decision well and truly put Vincent Wildlife Trust on the map and is something we should be so proud of.

But the highlights of being a Trustee have been many and it has been a wonderful experience helping the Trust to develop over these years – and it has been such an honour. Hopefully I am safely passing the baton on and leaving VWT a little bit better than I found it. The great thing is that the Board continues to attract fantastic experienced people willing to volunteer their time. 

The next ten years will be bright for the Trust as it works with more and more partners, leading by example and spreading the very special VWT way of doing things. I’ll be looking forward to reading  about those next adventures – long may they continue. 

Photo: Pine marten ©Robert Cruickshanks