missions
The UK is unfortunately one of the most nature-depleted countries on the planet, and the majority of the population live in urban environments where there is not always access to green spaces. Many people feel disconnected from nature, and we are suffering a biodiversity emergency with a critical loss of species and ecosystems. This is why we put People and Planet First.
1. Protect and enhance the biodiversity of Worcester
Nature is not just beautiful, the complex networks of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms are vital for our survival.
2. Educate the residents of Worcester about the biodiversity in our area
People need to understand and appreciate their natural environment to be able to help protect and improve it, and learning provides more opportunities to connect with nature.
3. Help residents to connect with our precious natural environment
There are so many benefits to gain from connecting with nature, from reduced stress and increased mental wellbeing, to better physical health and social connection.
HISTORY
After campaigning for several years to create wildflower verges in Warndon Villages, Paul Snookes gathered together a network of likeminded local people, who shared his passion for enhancing biodiversity in Worcester.
Alongside his co-founder, Alison Morgan, and with advice from professional ecologists, permission was granted for the group to work on a small verge on Dugdale Drive.
The Villages Environmental Group (VEG) was created, and started to look for other sites to enhance, moving on to returning neglected fields to wildflower meadows. Over time, individuals and organisations around Worcester started to ask the VEG for advice and help with projects, and so the remit was broadened, and the Worcester Environmental Group (WEG) was born in June 2020.
TRUSTEES
Zoe Hickman
Chair
I moved to Worcester in the summer of 2022 and very quickly fell in love with our wonderful green spaces. I worked in criminal justice for almost 10 years but have become increasingly interested in ecology and protecting biodiversity, so I am now studying for a Masters in Ecology while working with the WEG. I find that volunteering to improve your local environment vastly improves your connection to the place you live, the people you live with, and the nature around you. I am thrilled to be helping people in Worcester to do just that!
Andy Stafford
Trustee
I’ve lived in Worcester with my wife Victoria for over twenty years and for most of that time we’ve had rescue dogs. Somehow every dog we’ve owned has needed lots of exercise, so over the years we’ve become very familiar with Worcester’s green spaces in particular the riverside, Worcester Woods, Gheluvelt Park and Perdiswell. In Worcester we are fortunate to have access to a variety of quality green spaces but they do need looking after and can be improved in many simple ways.
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Previously I was a City & County councillor and as a chair of the city’s Environment Committee I was able to prioritise the enhancement of Worcester’s green spaces. This inevitably brought me into contact with Paul Snookes and the excellent work that the WEG do through their volunteers. As a councillor I was able to support the WEG with the creation of the Wild About Worcester Way and wildflower meadows. I’m delighted to be able to continue supporting the WEG as a Trustee.
Jonathan Hildred
Trustee
My fondest childhood memories are turning over rocks, investigating undergrowth and pond dipping to discover the weird and wonderful vertebrates and invertebrates that make these habitats home. Following a three-decade hiatus from my nature hunting days , I am rekindling my passion for wildlife and reconnecting with nature. Sadly, I have found that biodiversity has diminished considerably in this period, and I want to do what I can to help not only improve our local flora and fauna, but also help promote how important it is for us all to make space for nature and the benefits it brings to us.
As a Trustee for The WEG I will help challenge our mission and help make Worcester a beacon of what can be done to ensure nature and people can thrive together.
Chris Marsh
Trustee
I’ve always loved nature and the outdoors, and I’ve been lucky enough to develop that passion through my own garden spaces and volunteering opportunities. When I lived in Bristol, I created a wild space in our garden, planting native trees and building bug hotels to encourage nature in. I also volunteered with a local community charity called ‘Creative Opportunities’, who provide nature-based training and support for local people with learning difficulties. As well as practical tasks like building veg beds and a pergola on their allotment site, I utilised my skills as a graphic designer to develop a new brand and website for them.
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Following the Covid pandemic, my wife Amy and I moved to Worcester in search of more peace, fresh air and countryside. We’ve once again set about creating a garden for nature, letting an area grow wild and digging a pond which attracts all sorts of wildlife. As we explored Worcester, we noticed signs for a Wild About Worcester Way – and soon came across the WEG. I was excited to get involved, beginning with volunteering practically and helping with the design of the website and newsletter. Now as a trustee, I hope to continue supporting the WEG to make Worcester’s green spaces a haven for nature.
