Meet our volunteers: Derek Williams

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, 20 September 2024
Meet our volunteers: Derek Williams
Derek Williams © Kai Hilton

Julia Hoare

Volunteer Co-ordinator

Our enormous thanks to Derek Williams, who has just ‘retired’ after volunteering with Sussex Wildlife Trust since 1989.

On his final day with our Woods Mill Friday Hit Squad in September, I had the pleasure of chatting with him about his 35 years of volunteering with us.

How did you come to be a volunteer?

I was introduced to the Trust by my elder son, who volunteered with Sussex Wildlife Trust during his gap year. My son passed on the volunteering family baton to me.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My expertise is electronics, and back in 1989, I was working with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). During my career, I worked in a variety of places, including the Shetlands, and Bletchley Park, where I lectured about RADAR.

And your time volunteering with us?

In my first role with the Trust, I helped [former Site Manager] Steve Webster in the reception area at Woods Mill, charging members of the public 10p to enter the reserve. Obviously that’s changed since, and Trust reserves are now free to enter. One of the few things that has got cheaper over the years!

Jay with an acorn © Alan Price
Jay with an acorn © Alan Price

I remember a large replica Oak Tree on display there that showed the amazing variety of life Oaks support - I found this fascinating.

In 2001, I spotted a board advertising the first Conservation Hit Squad - and joined the Wednesday group, which covered East and West Sussex reserves. Since them I have had great pleasure in seeing the number of Hit Squad groups and volunteers increase significantly. I’ve enjoyed working with a number of different staff at a variety of reserves.

What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering?

What I have found is that those who volunteer, in whatever capacity, take more from it than they give. For me it was not just the variety of sites, but also the variety of people that I gained so much from. Those I have had the pleasure of working with and for over the years have enriched my life.

What’s changed during your time with us?

I have inevitably seen several eras at the Trust, but the nature of the organisation hasn't changed at all. The culture remains the same, with like-minded staff and volunteers who have similar values.

Iping and Stedham Common © Nigel Symington
Iping and Stedham Common © Nigel Symington

Which is your favourite reserve?

Having worked across Sussex, from Eridge Rocks, near Kent, to Iping and Stedham I find it hard to pick a favourite. I appreciate the wonderful individual character of each of the different reserves - from the stunning chalk stream at Leythorne Meadow to observing the tidal stream and the lake through the different seasons at Woods Mill

I do love the large scale of Iping and Stedham Common, with the wonderful variety of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies.

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