Meet the staff: Barry Wildish

Emma Chaplin
, 19 September 2023
Meet the staff: Barry Wildish
Barry Wildish © Tamara Jewell

Barry Wildish is Gatwick Greenspace Partnership Officer. Emma Chaplin caught up with him to ask a bit about himself

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I grew up in Crawley and now live in Horley with my wife and two young daughters, Abi and Daisy. We have a Bullmastiff cross called Bagheera. I was formerly a Royal Navy Medic. I have always been into wildlife and the outdoors. I enjoy gardening, swimming and walking.

How did you come to be in this role?

I volunteered at Buchan Country Park while I studied Countryside Management foundation degree at Plumpton, supporting volunteers in forestry. and heathland management. As a result I was offered a job as a Countryside and Access Ranger with West Sussex County Council. I then joined Gatwick Greenspace as Crawley’s Green Health Officer, coordinating the health walks program and creating volunteering opportunities linked with improving mental health. Then I became Volunteer Coordinator for Rights Of Way at Surrey County Council. 

How are you finding it?

I’m absolutely loving it. Working with volunteers is one of the best parts of my job.

Where are your favourite wild places in Sussex and why?

Tilgate Park, Tilgate Forest and Old House Warren, which is part of the historic Worth Forest, an ancient woodland landscape within the High Weald AONB because this is where I grew up.

What’s your favourite season to be in nature and why?

Spring, because I like seeing the new growth and things waking up from their winter sleep.

What would be your perfect Sunday afternoon?

To be on or by the water anywhere or at the beach with the family.

Tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you

I love a game of chess.

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