Wildlife Society

The Wildlife Society at the University of Suffolk is a relaxed, friendly group for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. We’re all about getting stuck into real, hands-on ecology, whether that’s volunteering, exploring local wildlife, or joining us for open days and trips. You don’t need to be an expert, just have an interest in wildlife and a willingness to get involved. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people, learn new things, and make a positive difference for nature.

Meet the committee

Cameron Brown - President (WECS - Level 5)

Fact: My absolute favourite animals are Bats and Salamanders. I’m fascinated by the rarest bat in Suffolk, the Barbastelle Bat. Their quiet echolocation sounds like a 'hard smack'! On the topic of Salamanders, I also love axolotls because they keep their feathery gills their whole lives, and hellbenders, because these giant amphibians are brilliantly nicknamed "Lasagna lizard" or "Snot Otter"! I'm also a budding Botanist!

Katelyn Hearnden - Vice President (WECS - Level 4)

One of the main reasons I started the WECS course was my love for mushrooms! Many people don’t know we have over 15,000 different species in the UK! Some of my favourites are milk caps & anything ‘brain’ or ‘ear’ (the squishier the better). My love for Mycology continues to grow at UOS and i’m excited to learn more. I’m also a fan of nudibranchs (also squishy), with my favourite animal being a distant relative - the sea angel!

Jack Broad - Treasurer (WECS - Level 5)

Fact: after starting at University of Suffolk, I have developed an intrigue for insects as I believe they are under appreciated and ignored by most people when, in reality, they have crucial importance. Additionally, I find biological adaptations such as camouflage, venom, and mimicry really interesting too.

Libby Goodswen - Secretary (WECS- Level 5)

Fact: My favourite animal is the whale shark! Did you know they have tiny tooth‑like scales, called dermal denticles, on their eyeballs? And the pattern of spots and stripes on each whale shark is completely unique just like our fingerprints!

Ashton Wyss- Activities Officer (WECS - Level 4)

Fact: One of my fave animals are Bitterns. They’re awesome looking birds, part of the heron family but they look prehistoric, and have the most incredible call that kinda sounds like a phone vibrating. We’re incredibly lucky in Suffolk to have them in the county, with you having a pretty good chance of spotting them if you head over to RSPB minsmere!

Leon Scott - Photographer (Unofficial) (WECS - Level 5)

Fact: I love all animals big, small and bizarre, but if I were to choose, my favourite would be the Binturong, also known as bear cats, these funny looking fellas related to palm civets are the only old world carnivore with prehensile tail and they also smell like buttered popcorn! Also though classed as a carnivore they mainly eat fruit!

I also enjoy the diversity of species, with many animals being closely related but unique in both appearance and adaptations being truly fascinating.

Jessie Butcher - Wellbeing Officer (WECS - Level 4)

If I could spend most of my free time anywhere, it would be split between Lamar Valley in Yellowstone and Vancouver Island in Canada - I’d be completely content! These places are home to two of my favourite apex predators: wolves and orcas.

I’ve always been fascinated by their intelligence and strong social bonds, with both species relying on cooperation, earning orcas the nickname “wolves of the sea.” As Wellbeing Officer, I think this highlights how important connection, support, and community are for our own wellbeing too.

Fun fact: whales evolved from small, four-legged, wolf-sized land mammals called Pakicetus around 50 million years ago!