About AWE

What is AWE?

 

A group of like minded individuals from the Allerston and surrounding areas. We all share the common goal of wanting to improve our local area for wildlife. 

 

Why do we need AWE?

 

There has been a national decline in wildlife habitats, and the Allerston area is no exception. Through our direct action, we believe we can help improve wildlife's chances of survival and flourishing.

 

What is AWE planning to do?

 

We have various ideas we hope to see come to fruition. We aim to:

 

Build bug hotels

Plant wildflowers in selected areas

Support local churches in creating meadows

Reduce mowing on some verges across the local areas

Plant microforests and some fruit trees

Acquire local land to turn into a haven for nature

Work with local landowners and managers to promote wildlife-friendly initiatives

Run community days to achieve the above objectives, in particular, to encourage children to become involved.

 

How on earth is AWE going to fund these ideas?

 

Bake sales, activity days, applications for funding and grants, crowdfunding

 

Can I join AWE?

 

Yes anyone can join AWE, and everyone is very welcome! Please contact us here

 

 

 

About Our Team

Laura Stephenson

Chairperson

 

I have always had an interest in nature and wildlife, stemming from a childhood growing up in Lincolnshire. My family would often walk in the countryside, with dad pointing out all sorts of plants, in particular orchids, about which he would get very excited. This enthusiasm has been passed on to me, and there is nowhere that I would rather be than in nature. 

 

My work in healthcare has shown me the importance of fostering the connection between wildlife and humanity, and demonstrated the vital role it has to play in mental well-being. We need nature and nature most definitely needs us: to support, protect and promote it for future generations. 

 

I would love to see wildlife thrive even more in the area of Allerston, to create a better place for our children and pass on that vital enthusiasm that my father gave to me. I'd like to put Allerston on the map through AWE, and hope that by creating habitat for nature we will inspire others to do so.

 

Caroline May

Secretary

 

My background is in the legal world, where I worked as a solicitor for over 40 years. While I enjoyed this life, with all its various challenges, I am now excited to be doing something for nature, taking my passion for justice into our threatened ecosystem. I know this will be challenging, but I believe that by taking grassroots action, organisations such as AWE can protect our wildlife for future generations. As a grandmother, I feel only too keenly the importance of the wild outdoor environment, and I want to create a better future for nature that can be enjoyed by all grandchildren across the country and into future generations. 

Mary Kemp

Trustee

 

Mary's bio coming soon!

Marie Beresford-Dey

Treasurer

 

Growing up in Sheffield, I spent countless hours with my family in the Peak District, enjoying life by the river, hiking, and camping in the hills—activities that continue to drive my passion for the natural environment. These days, I’m usually accompanied by my camera and my little cocker spaniel, capturing nature's beauty through the lens, from grand vistas to the intricate details of flowers and insects.

 

My love for the natural world led me to pursue a BSc in Natural Sciences, where I gained a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of natural systems. Working in higher education, my research focuses on the natural environment, underpinned by education and leadership. I believe that protecting nature and inspiring others to do so requires educating and influencing humanity to drive forward necessary changes.