AnnualReportfor2024Final2025 - Flipbook - Page 5
to contribute their thoughts on
wildcats and the potential for their
reintroduction in Wales. The outcome
of the study will be used to inform
the decision on whether the prospect
of a Welsh wildcat reintroduction
should be explored further.
Polecat sightings continued to be
submitted to our 2024/25 National
Polecat Survey, providing data that
will give us updated understanding
of polecat distribution across Britain.
Around 900 veri昀椀ed records were
submitted during 2024.
As we approach both our 50th
anniversary and the mid-point
of our Ten-Year Strategy in 2025
and look towards the next 50
years and developing a longerterm vision, we are increasing our
efforts to demonstrate the impact
we have, including through work
with Conservation Standards and
Conservation Evidence. This is
crucial both in delivering effective
conservation and to show that our
work results in tangible bene昀椀ts for
threatened mammal species.
We 昀椀nished the year in a strong
昀椀nancial position, with more funding
secured for 2025 complementing the
Trust’s own ongoing investments,
adding to our abilities to work at scale
and continue increasing our impact.
An increase in income enabled us
to grow our headcount from 17 to
23 staff. We welcomed Fundraising
and Communications Manager, Clare
Parsons; Administration and Finance
Assistant, Sandy Bromige; Ireland
Species Conservation Of昀椀cer, Victoria
Knight; and Bat Conservation Of昀椀cers
Carys Peotto and Jenny O’Neill as
well as the new Martens on the Move
Team — Project Manager, Stephanie
Johnstone; Communications and
Engagement Of昀椀cer, Rowie Burcham;
and Project Of昀椀cers, Victoria Chanin
and Lucy Nord.
Professor Robbie McDonald, our
acting Chair of Trustees from July
2023, was formally appointed as
Chair in March 2024.
Our PhD student, Tom Dando, gained
his doctorate this year with the
University of Exeter and his thesis on
‘Social and ecological feasibility of a
European wildcat reintroduction’.
Finally, our huge thanks to the staff,
students, trustees and volunteers,
who together make VWT such an
effective team, and one of which
we are very proud to be a part.
Also, huge thanks to the many
organisations and individuals who
supported us through grants and
donations, and to the landowners,
land managers and partners with
whom we work — without all your
support and co-operation, we could
not achieve the important work
that we do.
We said goodbye to our Senior Bat
Conservation Of昀椀cer, Jim Mullholland
and Fundraising and Communications
Manager, Rachel Court. We also
congratulated our Senior Bat
Conservation Of昀椀cer Marina Palacios,
on arrival of her new baby and wished
her well with her maternity leave.
Vincent Wildlife Trust Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024 5
