As the autumn leaves fall and the crisp breeze signals the arrival of winter, we take this opportunity to formally extend our greetings to the community. We, the National Trust team based in Gower, are all geared up for another season of diligent efforts aimed at both conserving and elevating the beauty of Gower.
We are excited to share a bit about who we are and the work we are doing in Gower.

Meet the Team:

Chris Smith, Rheolwr Cefn Gwlad / Countryside Manager

Having initially joined the National Trust as a Ranger at the age of 16, Chris has spent almost 20 years working within the environmental sector.

As the Countryside Manager, Chris is responsible for the management of 20,000 Hectares of land managed by the National Trust across Gower, the Brecon Beacons and Monmouthshire, where he works to maintain healthy, diverse and resilient ecosystems, whilst conserving local heritage and culture, and preserving farming traditions.

Thomas Campbell, Ceidwad Ardal/Area Ranger

Tom joined the National Trust in April this year and heads up Gower’s Ranger team having worked for the last five years managing the tree collection and estate at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. He has a great passion for nature and has worked hard since 2011 to conserve habitats on every scale as an Arborist and latterly a Tree Manager for the London Borough of Hackney where he enjoyed planting new trees to improve the environmental quality of Inner London. Tom has loved the past eight months working with our team of dedicated volunteers, meeting the local communities of Gower and bringing in successful hay and wildflower seed harvests! He has come full circle, having studied Geography at Swansea University it is a great privilege for Tom to now be helping to enhance the amazing landscapes of the peninsula cared for by the National Trust.

Nicole Barley, Ceidwad / Ranger

Nicole joined the Gower Ranger team at the beginning of November, after having previously worked for the National Trust in the Brecon Beacons. With a passion for nature and the outdoors, she has a keen interest in native plants, trees and hedge laying as well as woodwork and carpentry. Having spent many years previously living in Gower, she feels a strong connection to the land here and a desire to help regenerate biodiversity in the area through practical conservation and habitat management.

Dan Jones Uwch Swyddog Gwirfoddoli a Chymunedol / Senior Volunteering & Community Coordinator

Dan joined the team in October after moving back from St. Davids, Pembrokeshire, where for the last ten years he managed one of the three farms run by the charity Farms for City Children. Here, school children from inner cities visited the farm for a week’s residential where they were exposed to the countryside for sometimes the first time, and experienced the magic of the outdoors and how good it can make you feel.

When the opportunity came to engage volunteers and community groups in the fantastic work that the National Trust does across Gower, Brecon and Aberdulais Falls Dan jumped at the chance.  Dan’s role is to bolster and support the volunteering opportunities across these three sites so that the Trust can continue to maintain these special places and make them accessible to all. Working alongside a variety of community groups has also been a privilege for Dan and he is looking forward to connecting with as many diverse groups as possible to celebrate the landscape and heritage on their doorstep.  

Geraldine Ferguson Swyddog Gwirfoddoli a Chymunedol /Volunteering and Community Officer

Geraldine has the new role of Volunteering and Community Officer for Gower, Aberdulais and Brecon Beacons.  Initially employed as the Land, Outdoors and Nature Participation Officer in the short-term Coast to Commons project role, she is now a permanent member of the team.  Initially Geraldine worked as a science technician researching how to improve the testing and stability of poliovirus vaccine.  Laterally, Geraldine taught Biology at a secondary school in Watford, then, in 2019 she moved to Wales to be closer to family.  During lockdown she studied for an MSc in Sustainability and Ecology and feels very lucky to be working for the largest conservation charity in Europe, where she can share her passion for the environment with the volunteers and communities that she serves. 

Volunteer Opportunities:

We are always on the lookout for volunteers! Whether you’re interested in joining the rangers for weekly tasks, becoming a COASTodian to care for our coastal areas, or contributing as a Visitor Welcome Volunteer in Rhosili, there’s a place for everyone. If you have skills suited for wildlife surveying, we’d also love to explore opportunities with you. Please check our website for any live volunteering opportunities or email geraldine.ferguson@nationaltrust.org.uk if you would like to know more.

Community Opportunities:

If you’re part of a community group who feel you could benefit from spending time in Gower, then we invite you to get in touch. Whether you’re a school looking for an outdoor learning opportunity, adults with learning interests, or other community organisations, we believe in the power of shared experiences in nature. Please make contact, and let’s work together to see how Gower can be a backdrop for enriching activities and memorable moments tailored to your community group’s needs. We’re here to collaborate and make Gower an inclusive space for everyone.

As we approach the festive season, we wish you a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to seeing you out and about. If you have any questions, ideas, or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to reach out or drop into the office at South Pitton Green Farm.

Contact Us:

SPG Office: 01792 390636

– Chris Smith: chris.smith3@nationaltrust.org.uk

– Tom Campbell: thomas.campbell@nationaltrust.org.uk

– Nicole Barley: Nicole.barley@nationaltrust.org.uk

– Dan Jones: dan.jones@nationaltrust.org.uk

– Geraldine Ferguson: geraldine.ferguson@nationaltrust.org.uk

Thank you for welcoming us into your community, and here’s to a season filled with warmth, joy, and shared moments in the great outdoors!

Best Wishes,

The National Trust Team at South Pilton Green Farm