Meet the Trustees

The WWRG Trustees can be contacted via the form on the Contact the WWRG Trustees page.

Phil Atkinson (Chair)

My favourite wader is: Turnstone. I love them so much my poor daughter has Arenaria as her middle name. She complains that she can’t spell it and why did we not give her a more sensible one!

Most memorable Wash catch… Mist netting at Terrington on a surge tide on bonfire night. Ended up waist deep in water for over an hour watching the spectacle of fireworks from Boston to Hunstanton!

If you are coming for the first time? Bring thigh waders, waterproof trousers, warm clothes, head torch… and snacks!

Kirsty Turner (Treasurer)

Most memorable Wash catch… Oooh, too many to mention, most are memorable for some reason or another. A couple that stand out for were: on the Inner Bund, falling asleep under the covering material to such an extent that when we fired I could hardly move to run and sitting in the hide on Wainfleet Island when a Merlin landed on us.

When I’m not catching waders, I’m… cold water swimming, gardening, cooking, walking my mad labradoodle, looking after my kids.

The most enjoyable thing about the Wash is: Working together with like minded people with a common aim. I like the buzz of trips with different people – this can make it seem chaotic, but it’s an organised chaos.

Guy Anderson

My favourite wader is: the one that I am privileged enough to be holding

The most enjoyable thing about the Wash is: knowing that the data being collected are super useful for wader monitoring and therefore their conservation.

When I’m not catching waders, I’m: catching, counting or just appreciating other birds, with occasional forays into other taxonomic groups. And eating cake.

Molly Brown

Most memorable Wash catch… we made a big catch of sanderling on Snettisham beach and I loved the sound of hundreds of small waders in keeping cages. It was also the trip the WWRG turned 65 years old, so the catch was followed by cake on the seawall.

When I’m not catching waders, I’m: outdoors somewhere, usually catching passerines, running or swimming.

If you are coming for the first time? Prepare to get stuck in, get muddy and not sleep much!

Dave King

My favourite wader is: Lapwing. It is such a great sight seeing them display in the spring, but sadly becoming less common.

Most memorable Wash catch… Catching oystercatchers one (very) late afternoon on Snettisham beach – the light was fading fast, but we didn’t give up and made a fabulous catch – although it also meant a late dinner.

When I’m not catching waders I am: catching passerines!

Michele Shaw

Most memorable Wash catch… Not that long ago, during a week-long summer field trip, some of the pioneers of the Wash came back to help out. Hearing the stories of the early days of the group, the difficult conditions they operated in and the anecdotes of the camaraderie at that time was amazing, such a privilege, like going back in time.

The most enjoyable things about the Wash are… Even with reduced mobility, being able to make a contribution to the study and conservation of waders. Learning more every time. Belonging & being with people with the same desire to help birds.

If you are coming for the first time? Bring warm clothes, be prepared for minimal sleep and muck-in with what you can do – team work makes work fun.

When I’m not catching waders I am: I spend some of my time creating sculptures, playing the piano or reading a good book.

Past Trustees

Katharine Bowgen (2021 – 2024)

Mark Smart (2021 – 2024)

Sam Franks (2021 – 2022)