With Swansea alumnus Martin Spray CBE, eminent conservationist and former Chief Executive of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
Our natural world is in a critical condition. Rising emissions, the destruction of nature, and unsustainable levels of consumption are threatening our very future. So, as we begin to emerge from a global health crisis, what can we do to create a cleaner, greener world that works for everyone?
Join Martin on World Wildlife Day for his thoughts on where the environmental movement stands and how we can meet the challenge of securing a healthy world for us now, and for future generations.
Martin graduated with a degree in Zoology in 1973, and his first employment was with the Royal Borough of Kingston-Upon-Thames Education Department. In 1974, Martin moved to SERC (Science and Engineering Research Council) where he undertook various management roles, including a short secondment to HM Treasury.
After fourteen years, Martin began working with WWF UK as the Area Manager for London and South East. His role included regional fundraising and PR activities and media work, staff and volunteer management and major fundraising events.
Following this position, Martin moved to Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) in 1991 as the Chief Executive. He was the first CEO appointed to develop the organisation into one of the largest and most influential wildlife trusts in the UK. After his success at BBOWT, Martin joined the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts in 2003 for a year as Acting Director-General in which he was seconded part-time, while still running BBOWT, to manage and direct the umbrella organisation of 47 independent UK Wildlife Trusts, specifically addressing some major managerial and financial issues and improving communications and accountability.
In 2004, Martin took up the position of Chief Executive at Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT). Through his work, Martin has been awarded a CBE for Services to Nature Conservation and a Doctor of Science honoris causa from the University of Roehampton.
