Have you always been interested in wildlife?

Yes, absolutely. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in wildlife. It’s just part of me.  As a small child I was fascinated by grubs, beetles, newts, and things like that. We lived for a time in East Africa when I was growing up for a few years and that was an amazing experience. I loved spotting chameleons and snakes. There was even a time when I collected loads of chameleons, cleared out my wardrobe and tried to put them in there. When my mum came home she opened the up the doors to see why all my clothes were on the floor and got the fright of her life!

What wildlife do you particularly find interesting?

I’m especially interested in wildlife rescue, more than any particular species. To me all wildlife is all fascinating – and if there’s anything I can do anything to help, I want to do so. I also enjoy domestic animals and have a lovely pet cat, called Jasper.

Years ago I worked as a volunteer in wildlife rescue centre in Shopshire and I was involved with the conservation of red kites. I worked with Tony Cross, which was a real priviledge. The kites weren’t always very good parents and would abandon some of their chicks. Tony would bring these chicks to me, I’d rear them up to about 900 grams. In the meantime, he’d find another nest site and then pop the chick in there. The birds would then raise that chick, along with their other young. I also helped Tony ring swans, which was very interesting at times!

Locally, I help out at Last Chance Hotel. In fact, I rescued a couple of swans recently!

I also volunteer as a coast watch officer with the station at Nare Point. I’m the wildlife officer for the station and coordinate the recording of sightings in our book. We see plenty of bird life and marine mammals. I also enter them onto the ERCCIS database once a week. The dolphins we see out there are absolutely amazing! It really lifts your day when you spot them.

Thank you so much for supporting Cornwall Wildlife Trust by including a gift in your Will. What inspired you to do such a generous thing?

I really believe that we should leave the planet that we live on in a better state than we found it for the next generation. My generation has failed to do that quite dramatically. While there have been problems with the environment dating back to the Industrial Revolution, my generation knew what we were doing and we carried on doing it. I think that’s unforgivable. We could have done something, but we didn’t. So, I think if there’s any way possible that we can give something back – even in the smallest way – I think it should be done. I felt I could do that.

I chose Cornwall Wildlife Trust because I believe the best way forward for the environment is to protect the places where we’ve still got wildlife. I really do admire what the Trust is doing and how they’re spending money on nature reserves, keeping those places special for wildlife. I think the work you’re doing is fantastic!

You made use of our free Will provider when you made your Will. How did that work out?

I found it very easy. The process was straightforward, and it didn’t take long at all. The final bit was an online interview with a solicitor and he sent me a copy to sign, which I then sent back. I didn’t even have to go into an office! I can certainly recommend that: it’s a great idea.

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You’re a mental health nurse by background. Is there a connection between mental health and engaging with the natural world?

Absolutely. I think wildlife is vital to our mental health. Nature is a calming influence on us.

How do you feel about the future of the environment?

I’m concerned about climate change and global warming, and I don’t know how as a species we deal with that. We need action on a big scale.

On a small scale, I’m doing all I can. I’ve lived on a barge down in Penryn for about eight years now. It’s now got solar panels and a wind generator, which makes me self-sufficient in power. It’s a really satisfying feeling. I’ve also got an electric bike, which I charge on the boat, and as I’m cycling I think about the fact that I’m going along on sun and wind! I’ve also got an inflatable dingy with an electric motor, which I use to get into Falmouth and back, so as far as the environment’s concerned, that’s free. We can only do small things as individuals, but if everyone did them it would make a huge difference.

A huge thanks to Bruce and so many other supporters who have included Cornwall Wildlife Trust in their Will.

To find out more about gifts in Wills or our free Will writing offer, click here. 

Cornwall Wildlife Trust supporter, Dee Reeves, explains why she has included the Trust in her Will.

Thank You Week 2023