Where would we be without trustees?

It’s trustees week – a chance to showcase the work of our trustees.

Friends of Westonbirt’s trustees volunteer their time to make important decisions about the charity’s work, contributing their knowledge and skills gained in various industries. We catch up with our newest trustee Beth.

What made you want to become a trustee with Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum?

When I saw that the charity were looking for new trustees, I thought what a wonderful way to support a charity that I care about. I don’t think many young people (I’m still putting myself in that bracket!) consider that they have the life experience to be a trustee, but if you have a love and a passion for a charity then why not?

You can help give a slightly different dimension to a board. The Friends are working so hard to bring in young families, and to open up the amazing world of trees to them, and I wanted to be a part of that.

What do you do outside of being a trustee?

At the moment I am on maternity leave but I work for the National Trust in outdoor Visitor Experience and so thought that my knowledge of the charity sector could be put to good use for the Friends.

What are you most looking forward to in your trustee role?

Lots of things! I already get all my other mum friends to give me feedback on their experiences when they visit Westonbirt. I hope I can help back the upcoming Westonbirt Wood Project and enthuse others to do likewise. I would also like to help expand membership, explaining to young families the huge benefit their support of the charity will have for their children in the future.

The research that takes place at Westonbirt, and the very fact that Westonbirt exists at all, is so important for the protection of our natural environment! Don’t they say that trees are the organs of our world? Our children need to learn to love trees in order to protect them in the future.

We’ll shortly be recruiting for new trustees. Keep an eye out on our website if you think you could volunteer your time as trustee and make a meaningful contribution.