At the Trust’s 63rd Annual General Meeting this October, we were thrilled to honour two extraordinary individuals with our Outstanding Contribution Award: Anne Ardill and Ron Cooke.
Their unwavering commitment to conservation and engagement has shaped the Trust into the thriving organisation it is today, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires us all.
Anne Ardill
Anne Ardill has been a cornerstone of the Trust for over three decades. Joining as a trustee in 1991, she played a critical role in our early governance, helping lay the foundation for growth and championing what we now call “getting more people on nature’s side.” Anne’s passion for education and public involvement became a guiding force for the Trust.
For the past 40 years, Anne has been a driving force for the Trust’s Winchester community, first as the Winchester Wildlife Watch leader and, for the last 20 years, as chair of the Winchester local group - one of the most active within the Trust. Under her leadership, the group has run an impressive program of walks and talks, reaching thousands of people. Even during COVID-19, Anne ensured the group stayed connected by organising outdoor meetings and walks, building a sense of community through difficult times.
Anne has also been a dedicated fundraiser, contributing significantly to campaigns like the 2017 Hockley Farm appeal, which raised over £200,000 in a mere four weeks. Her optimism and adaptability have made her a consistent supporter of the Trust’s evolution, helping us implement changes and embrace new practices.
Thank you, Anne, for your unwavering support and commitment to the Trust. Your influence, both behind the scenes and out front, has been invaluable.
Ron Cooke
Ron Cooke’s commitment to wildlife conservation spans an impressive 40 years. Volunteering across Lower Test, Testwood, and Roydon nature reserves, Ron has been an essential part of the Trust, from bird and butterfly surveys to weekly conservation work, including maintaining the sand martin bank and helping with habitat restoration.
Ron’s contributions are as extensive as they are impactful. He’s been volunteering weekly with the Lower Test team for more than two decades, taking on everything from tree felling to bird feeding platform construction. At Roydon, Ron organised monthly winter work sessions, focusing on heathland restoration and fostering biodiversity through diligent birch and pine management. Despite recent health challenges, Ron’s dedication has never wavered - he returned to volunteering just weeks after surgery, continuing his work with characteristic positivity and commitment.
Ron, thank you for all that you’ve done. Your consistent, cheerful presence and unwavering dedication to wildlife make a difference every day.
The dedication shown by Anne Ardill and Ron Cooke is a shining example of the power of volunteering in conservation. They have brought people together, nurtured habitats, and advanced the Trust’s mission in countless ways. Their contributions inspire us all, reminding us that our collective efforts can make a lasting impact on the natural world.
Join us in making a difference
Inspired by Anne and Ron? Join Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust as a volunteer. From supporting nature reserves to engaging the community, there are many ways to help local wildlife.
