Lesley Hawkins – Callander’s nature hero!
A childhood spent identifying wildlife and flowers while wandering in the Derbyshire fields led Lesley Hawkins to form a deep-rooted connection with nature, which she still nurtures and benefits from today.
Now retired in Callander, Lesley supports an array of nature initiatives – organising the Callander Woodland Group, Greener Callander and the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) local group, as well as coordinating removal of invasive non-native species, and leading a Toad Patrol for Froglife. This work means that management and access to local woods is improved, thousands of plants are grown for community sites, and the wider public is invited to learn about nature at SWT talks.
We were curious about what drives Lesley to dedicate this time to help nature and her local community. And, as well as a personal motivation to enjoy mountain views, trees, flowers, birds and mammals, Lesley is concerned for the future of nature:
“All species are suffering from human intervention: habitat loss, pollution and /or Climate Change which are happening faster than species can adapt/evolve. Destruction from fires and flooding are more frequent. There is a disappointing lack of awareness and feeling of responsibility in the general public and uninformed adults can’t enthuse children to care about the future.”
Thankfully, Lesley’s commitment to provide opportunities for people to help nature and learn about wildlife is a wonderful example for us all to nurture that deep-rooted connection in ourselves and others.