Chair of Council, Dr Peter Day
It was with deep sadness that we received the tragic news that our Chair of Council, Dr Peter Day, passed away on 19 July.
WWT has lost one its most passionate and devoted supporters: as a volunteer for over 20 years at the London Wetland Centre, as a Trustee and finally as Chair, a role in which he worked tirelessly for over 5 years.
Peter’s successful career was focused in the IT industry, including as chief executive of Rolfe & Nolan Plc, the software development company, and as a director of Corefiling Ltd., an Oxford based company providing software, consulting and integration services. But Peter graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Natural History, and he never lost his passion for the environment, particularly plants. Just two years ago he obtained his PhD in plant molecular, phylogenetic and population genetics at Queen Mary, University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Peter first joined WWT as a volunteer at the London Wetland Centre when it opened in 2000, where he inspired visitors with his knowledge of the developing wildlife. He became an expert guide, also travelling to societies and clubs all over the southern counties of England to promote wetlands and the work of WWT. His passion for the charity led him to apply to join WWT’s Council, quickly earning the respect of his fellow Trustees and being elected as Chair in 2015.
Peter made huge efforts to really understand WWT. He travelled extensively to sites and wider conservation projects not just for organised events but in an informal capacity, which was appreciated by many WWT staff, volunteers and our supporters. He held a strong vision for a better environment, could always be relied on as a source of sound and reliable advice and held a natural ability to convey encouragement to everyone he met. He was also very supportive to the management team during the recent pandemic.
He will be hugely missed by all staff and volunteers. We send our deepest sympathy to his family.
