International Womens’ Day is globally celebrated, marking women’s achievements and reinforcing a commitment to women’s equality. Here, we take a local look at inspirational women who make a big contribution to protecting our habitats and wildlife but often do so quietly. So, today let’s amplify their achievements, celebrate them and thank them for what they do to make our communities and our world a better and wilder place.

Let’s start with Janet Lowndes, a volunteer on the Trust’s Local Wildlife Sites’ survey team, who collected a sample of a plant to identify, close to Stocker’s Lake following guidelines by the Botanical Society of Great Britain and Ireland (BSBI). When Janet discovered it was Large Bitter-cress, a species of conservation concern in Hertfordshire, Janet popped the sample in some water and, a few days later, it started to produce roots. Janet potted it on and went into mass production, nursing more and more plants. Janet’s plants can produce viable seed and there is now a plan to sow and generate more plants – this is significant as it was previously believed that this plant had become extinct in Hertfordshire, albeit it is not rare nationally. Thanks to Janet’s actions, the new plants will be used to repopulate the species to sites within catchment areas of the lake.

Gail Ashton is a photographer, writer and occasional illustrator, who is fascinated by all wildlife and has a deep interest in entomology. Gail supports the Trust with educational content and wonderful macro photography, shining a light on the importance of insects and invertebrate. Gail co-authored her first book ‘An Identification Guide to Garden Insects of Britain and North-West Europe’ with Dominic Couzens, and is now working on three new titles involving insects and trees. Find out more about Gail, her work and books here.

Hats off to Brenda Harold, who has a PhD in plant cytogenetics, is a Chartered Biologist and a retired university and community lecturer. Brenda was a long-standing volunteer with the Trust as a Wildlife Site Surveyor and it was our need to train beginners that initially inspired Brenda to write and direct the Identiplant course. After ten successful years growing the course, this year it is now hosted by the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland. The course is open to all those with an interest in developing serious botanical skills. It’s wonderful to see Brenda’s knowledge being passed on and inspiring the botanists of tomorrow. Find out more at identiplant.bsbi.org.

The wonderful Kate Aylett has volunteered for the Trust for over 25 years, supporting us with scrutinising vast numbers of planning applications and pulling out those of interest or concern for their potential adverse impact on biodiversity. Kate’s many years of experience working in planning, her eye for detail and local knowledge have been critical in delivering the planning work of the Trust, to ensure that biodiversity is conserved and enhanced in line with the parameters provided by planning policy. Kate stepped down in September last year but is still involved in overseeing the new planning support volunteer. Kate has made an invaluable contribution to the Trust and to wildlife, for which we will be forever grateful.

Danielle Durant Taylor is a great example of someone who saw an opportunity to improve local biodiversity and, at the same time, create a wild space that all the community could enjoy. The New Greens Wild Garden community group was formed and, further, granted permission from the council for the community to take over the green space between Francis Avenue and Nicholas Close in St Albans. Plans are now evolving for the group to learn about sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardening practices and growing food and herbs to share within the New Greens community. Locals will be encouraged to participate in various phased tasks throughout the year and the group is working with local councillors and the Trust to secure a better future for all.

Last but not least, our very own, Sarah Perry. Sarah is our River Catchment Co-ordinator and since 2018, when she joined the Trust, Sarah has been instrumental in the success of our Living Rivers project which champions our rare chalk rivers, raises awareness of the sensitive nature of these precious habitats and highlights their importance to wildlife - with only 200 chalk rivers in the world and 10% of these being in Hertfordshire, that’s a considerable responsibility! Rising to the challenge, Sarah has made a huge contribution in terms of her support to local landowners, clubs and river groups in developing plans to restore and improve rivers on their local patch. She is also a regular speaker on rivers and made her TV debut last year when she appeared on a the BBC Countryfile drought special talking about the health of the River Mimram.

Janet, Gail. Brenda, Kate, Danielle and Sarah, we salute you and thank you all. Happy International Women’s Day!