Scottish Wildlife Trust has now appointed a new director, who is tasked with driving forward the organisation’s aim to protect all wildlife in Scotland.
SWT, Scotland’s largest voluntary organisation for wildlife protection, is delighted to announce the appointment of Jonathan Hughes as Director of Conservation.
Having worked for SWT for over 2 and a half years, Hughes is well-known in environmental circles due to his work as former Head of Policy at the Trust, where he was involved in a number of high profile campaigns, which included leading the fight against the Trump golf development and the Lewis wind farm.
Now stepping up to direct the varied conservation work carried out by the Trust, Hughes said he is eager to make a real difference to protecting, improving, and promoting Scotland’s wildlife.
Hughes explained: “SWT is actively involved in many different types of conservation work. Indeed, people are often surprised about exactly how much we manage to achieve as a charitable organisation.
“By managing over 120 wildlife reserves across Scotland, as well as employing trained conservation teams to work in the wider countryside, and providing the public with opportunities to enjoy nature and the outdoors, we are an organisation that really walks the walk.
“But SWT’s conservation work spans even further than this, as we strive to protect and improve the natural landscape of Scotland as a whole. Often in partnership with other key environmental organisations, SWT is already driving forward pioneering projects to improve biodiversity, such as the Scottish Beaver Trial and Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels.
“We also actively engage with the Scottish Government in policy decision-making to ensure nature conservation is afforded the priority it deserves.
“Given our strong base of committed staff and active members along with the support we receive from the public, I am very excited about what the Trust will achieve in the future.”
SWT is a member-based charity dedicated to protecting Scotland’s wildlife. For more information about SWT, or to become an SWT member, visit www.swt.org.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 33,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.
- SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage.
- There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. With 765,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea. 135,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch. We manage 2,200 nature reserves covering more than 84,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living. www.wildlifetrusts.org.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nicola McGovern, PR Officer, SWT
Tel: 0131 312 4742. Email: nmcgovern@swt.org.uk