In this supporter profile, we shine the spotlight on one of our amazing members, donors, volunteer, bequester and Artist Residency Program Advisory Group Member, Peter Hastwell.

How long have you been a Nature Foundation supporter, and how did you first get involved?

I was introduced to Nature Foundation some 28 years ago by a hand signed card from Dr Barbara Hardy AO in my letter box. How that came about is a mystery, but her personal tireless advocacy did the trick, and I have been a supporter and member ever since. It has been interesting to see the organisation grow and flourish into what it is now with a much bigger vision, diversity and influence in what it wishes to achieve.

In the 1990s I attended a wide variety of Nature Foundation’s social activities which were instrumental in my continual involvement. Running parallel with the social aspect was the opportunity to support the organisation through volunteering, including Science Week and planting days at Watchalunga Nature Reserve.

In 2009 I moved to Kangaroo Island and while my volunteering with Nature Foundation took a pause, my environmental work increased markedly on my 117 hectare ‘land for wildlife’ property, and volunteering activities on the island including plantings, Glossy Black Cockatoo and penguin surveys, regular beach nesting surveys, regular contributions to Feral scan, Roadkill, iNaturalist and Frog ID, which lead to the naming of a new frog species for Kangaroo Island.

As part of Nature Foundation’s Member Tour of Kangaroo Island in 2022, I provided a talk of my conservation activities and a tour of our property which has a large tract of planted Sheoaks that Glossy Black Cockatoos now feed on.

Why do you support Nature Foundation?

I support Nature Foundation by being a member, as well as periodic donations, a commitment to provide a bequest in my Will and volunteer activities.

In readiness for a move back to Adelaide last year, I sought out opportunities to continue my two main interests of caring for the environment and art, which I had developed as a practising artist while on Kangaroo Island. A call-out from Nature Foundation for artists to be on the Advisory Group for its Artist Residency Program fitted both interests and it’s been a pleasure to be involved in this way. I look forward to being involved in further hands-on volunteer opportunities such as planting days, survey work etc now that I am again residing in Adelaide.

What do you find most rewarding about your involvement with Nature Foundation?

I enjoy contributing to an organisation and working alongside people with a similar vision and values. With all the negativity in the media, world conflict etc, I find it grounding to be involved in something that is underpinned by science and making a difference.

I want to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. Environmental volunteering, action and support (donating, bequeathing, how I vote etc) is something I CAN do to leave a legacy of care and repair. We need to contribute to the change we want to see and demand a better world.

What are your hopes for the future of nature conservation and biodiversity in Australia?

My main hope is that there will be a major shift in people’s knowledge and awareness of the fundamental connection and dependence that we ultimately have as a species with the environment. We ignore it at our peril. Such knowledge will place pressure on governments to more adequately fund its restoration and preservation. We cannot rely on Governments and protected areas alone and the work of Nature Foundation and land partnerships with private land holders are an important part of the solution.

Learn more about becoming a Nature Foundation Member here.