Last year, Surrey Wildlife Trust's Engagement and Conservation Officer Ross hiked 30 miles of the North Downs Way National Trail for his Big Wild Walk, raising £886 for The Wildlife Trust’s #30by30 campaign and becoming the campaign’s top fundraiser. This year, he’s inviting you to join him for a leisurely 2-mile stomp around SWT’s Chobham Common, the largest National Nature Reserve in the South-East of England.

What’s your role at Surrey WT and how long have you been with us?

I joined Surrey Wildlife Trust's Estates Team in April 2017, co-ordinating and delivering habitat management and grazing-related works across SWT’s 7000-hectare countryside estate, through both volunteer works parties and staff-led task days. In March 2022, I made the leap over to our Education team, and now work within the Wilder Schools programme, heading into Surrey schools and helping to develop both their grounds for biodiversity, and their outdoor learning opportunities.

Why did you choose to join the Surrey Wildlife Trust team?

Job satisfaction for me comes from two things; getting outside into nature, and sharing its wonders with others. The Wildlife Trusts can only succeed in their mission for nature’s recovery if we can inspire as many people as possible to take action for nature in their homes, schools and communities.

What is the Big Wild Walk campaign and how are you taking part?

The #BigWildWalk is The Wildlife Trusts’ call to nature lovers, wildlife walkers and climate heroes to strap up their walking boots and help the Trusts see at least 30% of our land and sea protected and connected for nature by 2030. Between Monday 16th and Monday 30th October 2023, everyone is being encouraged to get outside and run, cycle, walk or roll to protect the wildlife you love. Those with younger children can also attempt the Timmy Time Hedgehog Challenge!

Join me on a leisurely 2-mile Big Wild Walk across Chobham Common on Sunday 22nd October from 10am - book a space.

To register for your own Big Wild Walk, visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/bigwildwalk.

What inspired you to join in?

As well as my work in nature conservation, I’m also a qualified outdoor instructor and enthusiastic hiker, having completed my own Surrey Three Peaks, the Skye Trail, the Yorkshire and National Three Peaks, the Two Moors Way and in April/May 2013, the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path. What better way to support The Wildlife Trusts in their #30by30 mission than a big stomp through beautiful countryside!

What are your top tips for the Big Wild Walk?

• Layers! Appropriate layering will help keep you comfortable and safe whatever the weather. Wear a ‘wicking’ layer next to your skin to help shed sweat, a warm base layer if there’s a breeze, and ensure you’ve got suitable waterproofs for any showers.

• Snacks! Slow-release options are better than a sharp sugar high; think dried fruit and cereal bars. Chocolate-coated peanuts give the best of both worlds!

• Blisters! Unless you’re on your feet all-day-every-day, blisters are a likely outcome of a Big Wild Walk. Avoid discomfort by bringing a fresh pair of socks for the halfway point of your walk, and a packet of blister plasters… stick these on as soon as you feel a ‘hot-spot’ developing.

Summarise in 3 words how you feel about taking part in this fundraiser?

Buoyant, willing, wonderful!

How can someone donate to your walk?

To donate to my Big Wild Walk fundraiser, please head over to my fundraising page.