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Teesdale Special Flora Trust aims
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to promote, for the public benefit, the protection, conservation and improvement of the physical and natural environment and biodiversity
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to advance the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment
In practice, this includes conducting botanical surveys and sharing the findings with land managers and agencies, supporting the Upper Teesdale Botany Group, and encouraging interest through guided walks, lectures and exhibitions.
Teesdale Special Flora Trust Management
The Trust and the Upper Teesdale Botany Group are entirely managed and run by volunteers.
The Trustees and representatives of the UTBG meet regularly.
In addition to the Board, we have a number of smaller management groups who plan and coordinate the work of the Upper Teesdale Botany Group, projects and the Survey.
Dr Margaret E Bradshaw (Proctor)​
Drawn to Teesdale’s rare flora, I moved from the Yorkshire Wolds to the area in 1951. My botanical research, teaching and conservation work has focused on the special flora of Teesdale and the North Pennines, including research into rare Lady’s Mantle species and opposition to the Cow Green reservoir. In 2017, I founded the Upper Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust to promote research and conservation of its declining rare species.
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Bruce Wilkinson
In the company of botanists and ecologists, I’m the token geographer. Originally from Teesdale I grew up on a farm near Middleton. Generally I’ve followed the scenic route through life getting involved with a range of interesting people, projects and organisations along the way. It’s given me a broad base of skills to draw on in the role of Trustee.
Lizzie Maddison
My first experience of Upper Teesdale was through field courses on Widdybank and Cronkley Fell during my Botany degree. I began my teaching career in an inner-city school, where I soon recognised the value of practical biology in engaging students.
After retiring, I was privileged to meet Dr Margaret Bradshaw and have attended her Upper Teesdale Botany Group ever since. I have taught courses in botany and survey skills, including recording rare plants in Upper Teesdale.
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Ruth Starr-Keddle
I’ve been working as a plant ecologist in the North Pennines for 16 years and have been extremely fortunate to survey some of the most iconic areas of Teesdale. I have become deeply attached to the flora and fauna of Teesdale and care profoundly about the ongoing conservation and management of the area.
Caroline Taukulis
Until retiring from local government, my knowledge of botany extended little beyond enjoying wild plants as I walked upon the fells. Joining Margaret’s Upper Teesdale Botany Group opened up a fascinating new world, and I continue to learn about the area’s remarkable flora.
Richard Friend​
Moving to the North Pennines renewed my interest in botany, and it kept growing until I took an MSc in Biological Recording and Ecological Monitoring, changed career and became a professional ecologist. These days I run Blackdene Consulting, and I've surveyed vegetation across England, Scotland and Wales for Natural England, UKCEH and others. I'm currently the Trust's interim treasurer, and I'm building interactive maps of Teesdale's special flora.
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Martin Rodgers
I’ve been interested in wildlife since childhood, and now have the time to pursue that interest (and my photography) – and few areas offer such plentiful opportunities. I joined Margaret’s botany group some years ago, and have learned a lot from her. I’m still no botanist, though I do take far more photos of plants than I used to!
William Bowman
Growing up in Barnard Castle, my first experience of Teesdale’s flora left me with a lasting sense of wonder and pride in the remarkable natural heritage of my home. Since then, I have worked on conservation and land management projects both in Teesdale and nationally. I continue to have a deep appreciation for Teesdale’s flora and landscapes.
