Thank You To Stephen Ross, Our Retiring Chairman

Stephen's gift presentation at the AGM

At our AGM on 11th October 2026, Stephen Ross retired from his role as chairman. Stephen had been Chair of Wirral Wildlife for 22 years, definitely our longest-serving chair in our 55 year history. He blames Hilary for recruiting him, but actually several members of the then committee were involved. We initially asked him to represent us at Dee Estuary Conservation Group meetings, a task he has done ever since, for some time serving as their chair. However, having drawn him in, we rapidly persuaded him to be Wirral Wildlife chair.

Stephen Ross, recently retired Chairman

Somehow he has guided the committee ever since with a gentle but firm hand, through thick and thin - including when we talked too much. He never dominated, but always gave Committee members the freedom to develop their roles in their own way and supported their activities, often joining in.

Planting a black poplar at Home Farm, Landican

Planting trees for Cheshire Wildlife Trust's 60th anniversary

Cake to celebrate after the tree planting!

Operating the apple press at an Apple Day

He been a great support to our outreach activities, such as introducing the talks which form our winter programme, and leading the discussions with which these close. He is also a willing volunteer at the various stalls and displays we put on at various events through the year. 

Always willing to help at events

Stephen has represented Wirral Wildlife on many occasions, from meeting MPs, Lords Lieutenant and councillors and chairing workshops, to linking us to contacts at Rotary, Probus and Heswall Society, and many other people whom he `just happens to know’.

Open Day at New Ferry Butterfly Park in 2024

Butterfly Park Open Day in 2014

In 2017 Wirral Wildlife gained the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Our group was established to protect and champion wildlife in the Wirral and this award represented the tremendous achievements of everyone in Wirral Wildlife over the previous 46 years. Stephen and his wife Carol represented the group at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

Stephen and Wirral Wildlife committee members receiving Wirral Widlife's Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

Soon after becoming Chair of Wirral Wildlife, he became a member of CWT Council and a Trustee, bringing his expertise from his professional life to the Personnel Subcommittee of CWT and to the preparation of several reports relating to CWT activities. Stephen had a career in the criminal justice system and in retirement has done much good work with Wirral Women’s and Children’s Aid, where he was a trustee for 11 years and is now Patron.

Last year Stephen was recognised by Cheshire Wildlife Trust as their Volunteer of the Year.

Stephen getting his Cheshire Wildlife Trust Volunteer of the Year award

We also thank his wife Carol for supporting Stephen and even hosting committee meetings at their house for some years.

Stephen has worked hard for nature in Wirral and we thank him very much. He is not being allowed to completely retire – he will still be a committee member for as long as he wishes.

The Wirral Wildlife committee on a visit to Prenton Dell Claypit this year