The team
Meet the learning projects team at the Woodland Trust who run nature detectives
Shaun Nixon
Shaun saw a job advert in the Guardian, joined the Woodland Trust in 2004 and nature detectives was born. It's been a labour of love creating a website, printable materials and children's club that have been used by over 2 million people so far.
"I was inspired by loads of people as a kid - there are too many to mention here. Needless to say it started at primary school, but it was certain people who provided materials, projects, space, opportunity and - most of all - time, that I can thank for my passion for the environment and getting children involved in fun activities, wherever they live and whatever their situation.
I'd like to think that one day, some kids will think back and thank the Woodland Trust for nurturing that spark of enthusiasm for the world around them."
From former lives, Shaun has experience of assisting in primary school classrooms, website design, marketing, tourism, customer service, journalism, pantomime and international environmental politics (he has no comment on the comparison between the last two!).
Favourite tree
beech (they're great to climb and they change all year round)
Favourite download
leaf bag (because it was one of the first ones I made)
Danielle Evans
Danielle doubled the size of the team in 2008 and brings a calm, organised, positive approach to the chaos that is nature detectives. Her favourite part of the job is making fun stuff and hearing people say it's fun when they do it.
"We had a big garden at home and when we were kids we used to spend all our time in it, making dens, potions and all sorts of silly stuff"
From former lives, Danielle has experience of journalists, volunteers, dealing with grumpy people and media and communications.
Favourite tree
rowan (because of the teethy leaves and colourful red berries)
Favourite download
minibeast bug bodies (because it's ingenious - simple but brilliant)