Ten with Tom: Cornwall Wildlife Trust
From swaying treetops to vibrant ocean beds, Cornwall Wildlife Trust work tirelessly to protect and care for the vast landscapes found within Cornwall. To honour sustainable practices this Black Friday, we spoke to Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Corporate Partnership Officer, Rowan Hartgroves, to dive into why thoughtful, planet forward purchases should be a priority.
TR: Who are the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and what do you do?
RH: “Cornwall Wildlife Trust is the leading conservation charity in Cornwall, protecting and enhancing the county’s wildlife and wild places. We manage over 59 nature reserves, work on vital marine and terrestrial conservation projects, and engage with communities, looking to inspire people to care for their local natural environment.
My role as corporate partnerships officer means that I work closely with businesses to create meaningful partnerships that support both their sustainability goals and our conservation efforts. We aim to make it easy for businesses to contribute to protecting Cornwall’s unique wildlife, whether through funding, corporate volunteering, or promoting nature-friendly practices.”
TR: What’s the best thing about surrounding yourself and working with nature daily?
RH: “The best thing about working with nature every day is how it constantly reminds you of the bigger picture. It gives you a sense of purpose and connection, knowing that the work you’re doing is directly contributing to preserving these spaces for future generations. Nature has a calming effect, but it also inspires you to stay proactive, every small action can make a huge difference, and that’s incredibly motivating. Plus, there's the added bonus of having a great excuse to host meetings at some of our amazing nature reserves.”
TR: What’s a favourite project that you have worked on?
RH: “One of my favourite parts of the job is building meaningful partnerships with businesses that genuinely want to make a difference for Cornwall’s wildlife. It’s incredibly rewarding to see companies embrace conservation and take steps to be more environmentally friendly.
A standout project for me has been working on Seeding Change Together, a pioneering and innovative research project looking at seagrass restoration with Seasalt. Seagrass plays a vital role in supporting marine life and storing carbon, so this initiative has huge environmental benefits. Being part of a project that combines community action, business support, and positive impact on our natural environment has certainly been a highlight. It’s a great example of how collaboration can drive real change for our ecosystems.”
TR: Why is sustainability and climate change so important to you?
RH: “They are important to me because they directly impact the future of our planet and everything that lives on it, including us. Working in conservation, I see firsthand how climate change is threatening wildlife, habitats, and even local communities here in Cornwall. If we don't take action now, the damage could be irreversible.
It isn’t just about protecting the environment; it’s about ensuring a balance where nature, people, and businesses can all thrive together. Climate change affects the very ecosystems we depend on, so addressing it is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for preserving Cornwall's unique landscapes, biodiversity and its economy.”
TR: Why is it important to shop sustainably this Black Friday?
RH: “Shopping sustainably this Black Friday is important because it allows us to make choices that are better for the environment and our future. The high consumer demand during sales events like Black Friday often leads to excessive production and waste, which can have a huge impact on natural resources, contribute to pollution, and accelerate climate change.
By shopping sustainably, choosing eco-friendly products, supporting local businesses, and opting for items with minimal packaging, we can reduce our environmental footprint. It’s an opportunity to think about the long-term impact of our purchases and invest in products that are made to last, rather than buying into fast consumption that harms the planet. Every sustainable choice we make sends a message to companies that consumers value ethical practices and are willing to support businesses that prioritise the environment.”
TR: What advice would you give for those wanting to get involved and care for our planet’s future?
RH: “My advice for anyone wanting to get involved and care for our planet’s future is to start small and stay consistent. Every little action counts, whether it’s reducing your plastic use, supporting sustainable businesses, volunteering for local conservation projects, or even just learning more about environmental issues. It can feel overwhelming at times, but the key is to focus on what you can do personally and in your community.
I may be biased but I would encourage everyone to get involved with their local wildlife trust, where you can directly contribute to protecting wildlife and wild places. Share what you learn with friends and family to create awareness among those you can influence. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of individual choices. By making eco-conscious decisions in your daily life, you’re contributing to a larger movement that’s pushing for positive change.”
TR: What’s your favourite place to visit in Cornwall?
RH: “One of my favourite places to visit in Cornwall has to be the Lizard. It’s a stunning mix of rugged coastline, wildflower meadows, and hidden coves and of course amazing beaches. I’ve lived in Cornwall most of my life but every time you visit it takes my breath away and I always feel like I am discovering something new. It’s a definitely a place where you can really disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and appreciate the importance of protecting these incredible habitats.”
TR: What is your favourite Tom Raffield design?
RH: “My favourite Tom Raffield design has to be the River Coffee Table because it beautifully captures the flow and movement of nature. The fact that’s it’s made from sustainable materials also aligns with my values of supporting eco-friendly design, and I feel its shape would bring a calming and natural element into any room.”
TR: What species can we keep an eye out for in Winter across Cornwall?
RH: “During winter in Cornwall, there’s still plenty of wildlife to spot if you know where to look! Coastal areas are great for seeing grey seals, especially around beaches and coves, as this is their pupping season.
Some of our biggest marine mammals have been sighted around our shores in previous winters and I was lucky enough to see a breaching humpback whale off Pendennis point in Falmouth last winter. The best way to spot them is by scanning the ocean either with or without binoculars and look for diving gannets. It’s good to go humpback spotting in a group, the more people watching the better, as you can cover different areas. In ideal conditions the blow is the best sign to look out for, released as they exhale at the surface; in humpback whales the blow is bushy and around three meters high. Winter is also a great time to see the starling murmurations. I just love to watch these amazing displays that nature treats us to now and again.”
TR: What do the next six months hold for you and Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s mission?
RH: “The next six months are going to be really exciting for both me and Cornwall Wildlife Trust as we continue pushing forward with key conservation projects and building on our mission to protect Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. We’ll be focusing on expanding partnerships with businesses to further integrate sustainability into the heart of Cornwall’s economy. Through initiatives like the Wilder Business Network, we’re aiming to help even more companies adopt wildlife-friendly practices and contribute to the protection of our natural environment.
A major focus will be the launch of our Tor to Shore project, which showcases Cornwall’s role as a leader in conservation innovation. This project will bring together communities, landowners, businesses, and volunteers to work towards a shared goal of creating a thriving, interconnected landscape that supports both wildlife and people, ensuring long-term sustainability for Cornwall’s natural environment.
On a personal level, I’ll be working hard to foster new corporate partnerships and develop creative ways for businesses to support our mission and help create a Cornwall where nature thrives.”
Posted: 27.11.24
Updated: 02.12.24