Richard Higgs – Director
My career has revolved around conservation work, focusing on both the built and natural environment, and mostly with the National Trust. During this time, I undertook a variety of roles with my final one as a programme manager. I enjoyed the generalist nature of this role, being able to see the bigger picture and bringing diverse teams of people together.
I’ve been fortunate to work on some amazing projects over the years, most recently restoring rivers and wetlands, contributing to the health of our ecosystems. Trees have been a thread though my career from early days as an arborist in an arboretum to managing large planting projects.
Beyond work, I keep things simple. I love to garden and in particular growing a wide range of food, mountain bike and walk through local woodlands, and cooking and baking bread are my creative outlets. I have recently become a volunteer Blood Biker and am a Trustee of Frank Water.
Being Director of More Trees feels a perfect way to use my experience with a small charity that is delivering big impact for People, Nature and Climate in a really innovative way.
Emma Jones – Volunteer & Engagement Manager
My professional background is within HR management where I gained extensive experience across a variety of industries from the corporate world to charities. I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed varied and interesting roles, several of them in start-ups and stand-alone, working with a diverse range of people. On moving to Bath, I worked in Bristol for a few years before deciding on some well-earned time off.
In March 2022, I started volunteering for More Trees after discovering them on an algorithm on Instagram and have not looked back. I enjoy working with people and developing relationships. I feel a deep connection with what More Trees is doing and with the community we are building.
I am a sports lover and a regular at the Rec watching Bath Rugby. I am also a keen gardener growing my own produce and enjoy being in nature regularly trail running and open water swimming.
Sonny Walton – Community Tree Nurseries Manager
I have a great passion for the natural world, and this has led me into numerous interesting opportunities and roles. I studied biology at university and palaeontology for my PhD. But it doesn’t end there – there is still plenty to learn! I also worked for the Wildlife Trusts as a Reserves Officer, and I have more recently lectured at the University of Bath on Conservation Biology.
I was lucky enough to find More Trees from a leaflet dropped through my door about a local planting scheme, and I decided to pop along and help. It was a great day, and everybody was so friendly and welcoming. I became a regular volunteer, and I was involved with the development of the new Central Nursery at Redland Park from the onset.
I feel fortunate that I am now working for More Trees as I really believe in our work of growing trees with communities so that we can help the environment and ourselves. I hope that I can pass on my enthusiasm for the work that we do to the people that I meet through my role in the same way the team at More Trees did for me.
Now I just have to try and get the new Central Nursery site finished!