Rob Carlyle (Chair)

My interest in our local environment has been with me since childhood: I remember pulling the legs off grasshoppers in my grandmother's garden. Locally these days, the sound of churring nightjars still excites me. My best birding moment came in June 2004 when we traveled to the Loch of Funsie on Fetlar in the Shetland Isles to see red necked phalarope: tiny, beautiful, confiding birds. While there we checked out the bird hide and were amazed to encounter red backed shrike - 'the butcher bird' and to see its larder of bees stored on thorns. With everyone else in the hide I sat outside to enjoy the sound of snipe drumming and to my amazement was confronted by a singing Bluethroat! Beat that Bill Oddie!

Carol Pritchard (Vice Chair)

A resident of Warsop and frequently to be seen wandering the local paths. Particularly interested in hedges and fungi and trying to improve knowledge of local flora and bird life. Gets very excited at sight of kingfisher on River Meden and still hoping to spot the local buzzards.

Mary Draycott (Secretary)

I have been interested in all aspects of wildlife from a very early age and, being privileged to live in a house which backs onto woodland and a common, we have numerous wildlife visitors in the garden much to the pleasure of the cat and dog. Since having children the walks in the countryside have become shorter but no less enjoyable. I would be interested to hear from any other members with ideas on how to promote family friendly walks etc.

Jill Carlyle (Treasurer)

I enjoy spending time in my garden and allotment and also like walking and birdwatching: locally, around Britain, and (when I can persuade Rob) abroad. I am interested in increasing my knowledge of local flora and fauna - particularly mammals.

Jeune Price

My Favourite relaxation - tea, telly and a sleeping granddaughter.

I’m a plantaholic – easier than birds & mammals, they stay still for longer. Equally fascinated by both. I’m challenged by binoculars, finding them very difficult to use - my sight, spec’s, speed of target, need & arm ache conspire against me. Most recent memorable moment? Eating a ripened fig off the tree by my back door. Only the second ever, the first having been lost to a grey squirrel or blackbird. Love/hate? Delivery of NWT magazines. Love the deliverers & the magazines . . . . . .

Russell Draycott

For the next few years I will be a fairly quiet member of our committee for reasons the mugshot shows. My interest in wildlife has been with me since childhood but consideration for our diminishing countryside came with adulthood. Besides my passion for the local wildlife my hobbies are in geology and paleontology (fossils). We spend our weekends as a family roaming our local natural areas especially Portland Park (superb bacon butties) & the woods around Portland Training college. My expert knowledge is almost non existent but this is no barrier to getting involved so do not be put off joining us. We are of limited individual knowledge but as a group a strong voice for our local environment.

Derek Hart (Webmaster)

Wildlife for me is pleasant to see

Beth Gardner

I have been surrounding myself with wildlife since an early age. As well as Wilson, I've been variously looked after by cats, ferrets, fish, rats, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. Enjoying the company of the rest of the Committee therefore comes naturally.

When not studying, I enjoy walking and spotting the many creatures disturbed by Wilson. I am keen to expand my knowledge of all wildlife, and have a particular interest in mammals. I love to visit the Trust's many wildlife sites and have a good knowledge of local conservation initiatives from my time with the Notts Biodiversity Action Group, and I currently work for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.

Wilson

Wilson is a co-opted member of the committee, representing the fauna constituency (3 Nottingham crocus were elected to represent flora but failed to show for any meetings). Wilson is therefore handily placed to represent the wildlife view, having chased most of it at one time or other, and, being a German pointer, brings useful European experience.

Able to identify most types of rabbit, hare and pheasant, Wilson is very sociable. A committee barbecue never passes without him offering to clear up, and sometimes he will wait until the end!