Our new CEO - Holly Willmott

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Holly Willmott as our new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new chapter as we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

Holly, 49, who is local to Forres, Moray, is returning to Wild Things! (Environmental Education in Action) after previously serving as Fieldwork Manager for eight years from 2010, bringing with him a wealth of experience in outdoor learning, environmental education and professional development.

Having spent the past seven years as a Project Manager in Training and Development with Learning through Landscapes, Holly has been working to shape outdoor learning and climate change education within schools, communities and education systems.

His appointment comes at an exciting time for Wild Things! as it continues to expand its impact across Scotland, connecting people of all ages with nature through inspiring, inclusive and life-changing experiences.

Holly said: “It feels like a homecoming returning to Wild Things as the new Chief Executive Officer. I am delighted and honoured to take up this role, having worked there as Fieldwork Manager for eight years from 2010.

“I now look forward to building on the hard work put in by former CEO Luke Strachan and leading an enthusiastic and collaborative team as we move forward, approaching a momentous 25-year milestone.

“Over the last seven years I have worked in Training and Development as a Project Manager for Learning through Landscapes; gaining a deeper understanding of what the wider picture for outdoor learning and climate change education looks like across communities and education systems around the UK and Europe.

“Wild Things Environmental Education in Action remains a strong and important voice, advocating the need and passion to actively engage people in nature to benefit our wellbeing, understanding and care for the world we live in.

“These values have remained closely aligned with the work I have been committed to. Prioritising professional development, strongly focused on supporting young people in gaining better access to the outdoors, enriching their lives through learning and play.

“Now I am bringing this experience back to Wild Things, to add to the already great work we do, to help shape its growth and direction as the charity enters this next exciting chapter.”

Charity chair Jamie Whittle is delighted to welcome Holly back into the Wild Things! fold.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Holly back. His passion for environmental education, proven leadership and deep understanding of our organisation make him the ideal person to lead the charity into its next phase of growth and service.

“We are excited about the opportunities ahead and are confident Holly’s vision, experience and commitment will help us continue making a lasting difference to people, communities and the environment.

“Wild Things Environmental Education in Action has spent almost 25 years inspiring thousands of people to discover, value and care for the natural world.

“Through innovative outdoor learning programmes, environmental education, conservation projects, employability initiatives and wellbeing activities, the charity supports children, young people, adults and families across Scotland to build stronger connections with nature.

“Under Holly’s leadership, the organisation will continue to champion accessible outdoor learning while developing new partnerships, expanding opportunities for communities and ensuring that more people can experience the lasting benefits of spending time in nature.”

First Minister John Swinney said: “Wild Things is making a real impact by helping young people to understand and value the natural world.

“In the face of growing environmental challenges and the climate emergency, it is essential that future generations are not only informed but engaged.

“To that end, I am deeply thankful for the work that Wild Things is undertaking and I recognise the important and positive contribution the charity is making across Scotland.”

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