We are delighted to welcome Adam Taylor, who joined us as a Trustee in 2024.
To help you get to know them better, we asked Adam a few questions about their background, their interests, and what motivated them to become a Trustee for the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Please tell us a little about your background and why this is relevant to your role as a Trustee at the NBGW?
Growing up opposite a nature reserve in rural Essex I have always had a love of biodiversity and understood the importance of access to nature, with these subjects suffused throughout my work ever since. I have volunteered with dozens of charities in roles ranging from education officer, zoo keeper, and reserves warden, to fundraiser, Trustee, Treasurer and Chair. During my career I have worked for 5 charities across Southern England and Wales as an assistant secretary, volunteer coordinator, reserves warden, living landscapes coordinator, head of land management, and most recently CEO of Gwent Wildlife Trust. Through this mix of academic, practical, and management experience, I have developed a strong understanding of the historic and prevailing thought on wildlife, climate, and sustainability, and the challenges and opportunities these present. So I bring this knowledge to the Garden in order to help deliver its vital mission and serve future generations.
Why are you committing your time and expertise to being a Trustee of the NBGW?
I have volunteered for many charities throughout my life and have long been a fan of the Garden and its work. Seeing that my professional, educational, and personal, skills, experience, and contacts, could be of benefit to the Garden and its mission I jumped at the chance of applying to become a Trustee, and was thrilled to learn that I had been accepted to join the extremely gifted and professional team of staff and volunteers.
What is your favourite part of the Garden and why?
My favourite part of the Garden is the Waun Las National Nature Reserve. Being 1 of just 76 National Nature Reserves in Wales the site hosts examples of several nationally and internationally important habitats and species. Unlike most National Nature Reserves which are remote and inaccessible, thanks to its location at the Garden, Waun Las can engage and inspire our many visitors, plus it’s dual role as both National Nature Reserve and successful Organic Farm mean that Waun Las acts as an important demonstration site for how regenerative farming and wildlife can go hand in hand.
Do you have a favourite plant or tree and if so, why is it your favourite?
Favourite plant is Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys), as it was the first plant I identified using The Wildflower Key when I began to learn botany as a conservationist in the Essex countryside.