Our Patron & Presidents
Patron: Monty Don
“I am delighted and honoured to become Patron of the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and wholeheartedly support the wide range of excellent work in conserving and celebrating Herefordshire’s astonishingly rich and varied wildlife."
Monty is a renowned writer and television presenter and the UK’s favourite gardener.
Monty first appeared on television in 1989 and has now presented gardening and travel programmes for over twenty years. He is the lead presenter for the BBC flagship programme Gardeners’ World which he now hosts from his home Longmeadow in Herefordshire. He also presents the Chelsea Flower Show coverage for BBC2 and Shared Planet for Radio 4 which explores the complex interface between a growing human population and wildlife.
Monty is a prolific journalist and was the Observer’s gardening editor from 1994 until 2006 and now writes regular columns for publications including Gardeners’ World Magazine. He has written over 20 books including the best selling Fork to Fork, The Sensuous Garden, The Jewel Garden (with Sarah Don), The Complete Gardener and The Road to Le Tholonet.
Monty is a committed organic gardener and was for many years the President of the Soil Association. He has worked with schools and groups of drug addicts to build respect and reward from working with the natural world. Monty has a strong belief in the importance of communities working together through an understanding and love of the land.
President: Mr Edward Harley OBE
Mr Harley is His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire and, as such, is The King’s personal representative in the county. He has been a Vice-President of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust since 2002 and takes on the Presidency following the retirement of The Dowager Countess of Darnley CVO.
While the role of President is an honorary one, and Mr Harley will not be formally involved in the governance of the Trust, he will be a valued ambassador for the Trust, helping to raise the profile of the charity and promote its work throughout the county.
Mr Harley commented: “I am delighted and honoured to be appointed the President of the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust. I have been a Vice-President for many years and have been constantly impressed by the positive and innovative approach the Trust applies to conserving and protecting the wildlife of our county.”
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Chair of Trustees Alison Mclean said:
“We are honoured that Mr Harley has accepted the role of our President. He has long supported and championed the work of the Trust and we are delighted to be able to continue and deepen our relationship with him.”