The WWRG Trustees can be contacted via the form on the Contact the WWRG Trustees page.
Phil Atkinson (Chair)
I have been coming to The Wash
more than 30 years
My day job is
Head of the International Team at the BTO
I’m based in
Norfolk
Describe The Wash in three words…
Wader spectacle extraordinaire (if you are in the right place and the right time), large expanses of mud if not!
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!
Molly Brown
I have been coming to The Wash
since 2021
My day job is
Guillemot research assistant/field worker
I’m based in
Skomer Island/North Pennines
Describe The Wash in three words…
nerdy bird fun
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!
Michele Shaw
I have been coming to The Wash
more than 10 years
My day job is
I used to be a secondary school teacher and was forced to retire early after a car accident
I’m based in
Oxfordshire
Describe The Wash in three words…
inclusive / unique / magic
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
| David King (2023 – 2026) |
| Kirsty Turner (2021 – 2026) |
| Guy Anderson (2021 – 2026) |
| Katharine Bowgen (2021 – 2024) |
| Mark Smart (2021 – 2024) |
| Sam Franks (2021 – 2022) |