Meet the staff - Jane Wigan

Jane Wigan, Events and Courses Officer

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was incredibly lucky to grow up just outside Fletching in the Sussex countryside. After completing a degree in Sustainable Development at Swansea University, I moved to London and became a primary school teacher. However, the call of the wild was always there. Over the last few years, I transitioned into outdoor education and forest school before becoming Education Manager for a house and gardens in East Sussex. I currently live in Eastbourne where I enjoy beautiful South Downs walks and sea swimming in the summer.

And your role at the Trust?

As Events and Courses Officer, I hope to develop opportunities that will inspire people to love and take action for wildlife in Sussex.

What are your plans, what can people expect?

There is such a wealth of knowledge and expertise amongst the staff and wider Sussex Wildlife Trust community. I will be tapping into this over the coming months to develop events and courses that will inspire, engage and educate a broad audience across Sussex. As part of this, I will continue to provide events for our wonderful members, enabling them to enjoy wildlife experiences in our reserves whilst also finding out more about the work of the Trust.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I get to work for an organisation that is wholly focused on a subject that I am passionate about. Restoring biodiversity in Sussex and connecting people with their local environment.

What qualities do you need to do it?

The ability to listen and reflect. If we want more people in Sussex to protect wildlife on their doorstep, we really need to understand where their interests and priorities currently lie and create events and courses that will appeal to those interests.

Where is your favourite wild space in Sussex?

There is a circular walk from East Dean around the Crow Link. It has a little bit of everything: woodland and wildflower meadows that open up to spectacular views from the chalk cliffs towards Birling Gap.

What would make for a perfect Sunday afternoon?

Now this depends on the time of year. I love a winter walk on a clear day, followed by a Sunday roast and a glass of red wine.

Tell us something about you that most people won’t know.

I have a very bad habit of talking to dogs before their owners.