Our Ambassador Programme was set up in response to numerous talk requests from local groups which we unfortunately did not have the capacity to deliver. Therefore, in December 2024, we started the Ambassador Programme with 18 keen and willing volunteers! The intention of the programme is to allow our existing volunteers to provide a voice for wildlife in Surrey. Although it was initially proposed to help us deliver talks, through the support of the Ambassadors, we have also been able to set up regular guided walks for members and non-members. We have also been able to attend many local events, running stalls and hands-on activities for the public to come along and enjoy. And we are still growing! A recent call-out for more Ambassadors has resulted in a further 13 people getting in touch, specifically to help out at events, which is fantastic!
All our Ambassadors have undergone additional training to prepare for the role, and they now have a much deeper understanding of the inner workings of Surrey Wildlife Trust! With the support and encouragement of our local celebrity Ambassador, Peter Gordon, they have had the opportunity to practise delivering a talk in front of others using a powerpoint presentation - a tricky skill in itself! - as well as discussing how they might answer some of the more challenging questions from the audience. They enjoyed a fun guided walk around Nower Wood whilst we talked about all the things to do - and not to do! - whilst leading a walk. Several of our voluntary wardens have now developed and lead their own guided walks independently which is fantastic as they have such a strong knowledge and connection to the sites which they look after. It has been lovely to be able to share that expertise with our members.
We have delivered several talks already with plenty more booked up over the next few months - we recently took a booking for a talk in September 2026! That is impressive forward-planning on their part! Talk requests have been coming in from many different audiences: church groups, gardening groups, the Dorking Eco-Hub, school assemblies, Girl Guide and Cub groups, Women's Institue, U3A and many more. We also have several different events planned over the summer, all of which would not be possible without the Ambassadors: Juniper Hall Festival of Nature, the launch of the Surrey Libraries Summer Reading Challenge, Banstead Common Nature Detective Day and many many more! Several Ambassadors came along in April to help us run the "Meet the Newborns" days at Bonhurst Farm which was a lovely opportunity to help out - and spend a few hours cuddling newborn lambs!
