Contact us

phone
 0800 026 9650

email
 naturedetectives@woodlandtrust.org.uk 

post
 nature detectives
 Woodland Trust
 Kempton Way
 GRANTHAM
 NG31 6LL
 

The team

Meet the people at the Woodland Trust who run nature detectives

Danielle Evans - chief nature detective

Danielle joined nature detectives in 2008 and took over from founding member Shaun at the start of 2010. Her favourite part of the job is making fun stuff to inspire kids and adults about the outdoors - it's even better to hear 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 - getting muddy, treasure hunting, making dens, potions and all sorts of silly stuff.

They're some of my favourite memories and this is where lots of my ideas come from!"

Favourite tree
Rowan (because of the teethy leaves and colourful red berries)

Favourite download
Fungi trump cards (because they're ingenious, great fun and you can even stick them in your pocket to identify fungi when you're out and about)

Bev Gormley - deputy chief

Bev joined the team in March 2010 and brings tons of ideas with her. She is enthusiastic and passionate about encouraging families to get out and enjoy nature.

“My uncle had a farm in Shropshire and as a child I loved having adventures in the woods and sploshing around in the brook in my wellies. I once tried to pole-vault over it using a fallen branch which broke and I ended up very wet and muddy. Brilliant fun!”

Favourite tree 
Oak (I love to think about what some of our mighty oaks have seen over the centuries since they were little acorns)

Favourite download 
Trails to summer treasure (because I love making trails for my kids to follow)

Shaun Nixon - founding member and honorary president :O)

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 now been used by millions of people.

"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."

Shaun has moved on from the Trust and is now working his magic in other areas of wildlife conservation, but his enthusiasm and creativity are greatly missed! 

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).