Jennie and kids stethoscope – showing children the ‘heart’ of a tree.
With thanks to Jennifer Kelly.
Jennie Martin, founder and executive director of North East charity Wild things! has been presented with the winning title in the environmental category of The Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards 2014 at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh.
To recognise and reward the contributions of extraordinary people in Scotland, the winners of this unique scheme are determined by public votes. The charity received the largest number of votes in their category to make Jennie’s accolade possible and her work through Wild things! nationally recognised.
Jennie, an ethnobotanist by training, has worked with great passion and commitment over the past 12 years to develop the work of Wild things! The environmental education charity provides unique and inspiring outdoor experiences for people of all ages regardless of emotional, physical or financial barriers.
Based on the Moray Coast, it successfully delivers quality outdoor learning experiences that encourage a greater custodianship of the outdoors, as well as opportunities for life-changing personal development. Over the years, approximately 10,000 individuals have benefited from their programmes, opening their eyes to the wonders on their doorstep or to remote wilderness regions of Scotland.
Jennie Martin comments,
“When I was told that I was nominated for this award I was deeply honored to be considered alongside such notable Scottish figures. I was also delighted that the important work of Wild things! was being recognised in such a way.
“I am touched to have been given this award and by all the people who took the time for vote for Wild things (as well as the person who initial put us forward to the vote). I started Wild things! over 11 years ago with a small grant of £5,000 from the National Lottery. We now employ 6 people, have over 10 freelancers, 45 volunteers have worked with over 12,000 children, teenagers and adults over the years.
“Our connection to the natural world can make us so much more than we think we are able to be. It can stretch the boundaries of what we think is possible, invigorate our hearts bodies and minds, as well as being a fantastic landscape within which to make meaningful friendship. This is all aside from the fact that it feeds and clothes us, treats our illness and so much more. How can we not care for such a precious commodity?
“That is what Wild things does… one programme, one activity, one client, one camp fire or conservation project at a time. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote – this wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
Wild things! is a Scottish Environmental Education Charity based on the Moray Firth. The charity offers a variety of inspiring wilderness and nature experiences for all ages and abilities regardless of learning challenges or physical and financial difficulties.
To find out more about the work of Wild things! visit the website www.wild-things.org.uk
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