Message from the Executive Director

While it has been a busy time for us at BNT lately (see below), we have taken time to spare a thought for our fellow natural and cultural heritage colleagues in the US. From the National Park Service to museums large and small, it seems that jobs, funding and independence of research and curation are all under threat. One potential casualty closer to home may be the archaeological project on Smith’s Island. Dr Michael Jarvis of the University of Rochester has carried out past digs with funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which has been decimated; the future of the project is uncertain. At BNT, we stand with heritage professionals everywhere whose work is at risk.

The past month was a very eventful one at BNT, with some significant milestones.

On 1 April we held the Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond, attended by around 200 children with family members or camp leaders. We were delighted to welcome our patron, His Excellency the Governor Mr Andrew Murdoch, for his first tour of the nature reserve. Thank you to Arch for its longstanding sponsorship of this annual event.

On 13 April we celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the Palm Sunday Walk with a 5-mile exploration of St David’s, from Cooper’s Island past the Lighthouse, through Great Head and Little Head parks and back to Clearwater Beach. After a major thunderstorm the day before, Mother Nature smiled on the 800+ people who turned out to walk the route, with bright skies and a lovely fresh breeze. Our special anniversary t-shirt with the much-loved ‘walking palmetto’ proved very popular.

L to R: Jennifer Gray, Chair of Buy Back Bermuda; Myles Darrell, BNT's Head of Natural Heritage; His Excellency the Governor Andrew Murdoch; Janice Hetzel, President of Bermuda Audubon Society; Mark Orchard, President of BNT

The month’s events culminated with the official opening of High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton on Earth Day 22 April. This fabulous 10-acre tract of open space is the fourth property acquired as part of our ‘Buy Back Bermuda’ collaboration with the Bermuda Audubon Society and opened to the public. If you have not yet had the chance to visit, I urge you to put on your walking shoes and do so, while there is still a chance of seeing some whales offshore!

Karen Border

Executive Director

Volunteers needed for Convex End-to-End this Saturday!

BNT has had an urgent request from End-to-End to man a water stop for the walk this Saturday, 3 May from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at the layby on South Road overlooking Horseshoe Bay. The company that was going to man this water stop has pulled out at the last minute.

Buy Back Bermuda (BBB) has been selected as one of the charity recipients of the funds raised by this year’s End-to-End. As joint partners in BBB with the Bermuda Audubon Society, we hope that a few of our members will be willing to step up and assist for an hour or two at this wonderful community event. The new High Point Nature Reserve will benefit from the funds!

Please email palmetto@bnt.bm if you are willing to help, with the times that you are available. A table, chairs, water and paper cups are all provided – only volunteer power is needed.

Cultural Heritage Updates

Dr. Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage

Re-Energised for Our Essential Volunteers

Last month, Chris Davies, Myles Darrell, Dorte Horsfield and I had the privilege of attending Building an Exceptional Volunteer Programme, a workshop offered by the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda, of which BNT is a proud member. The session, led by Dr Claudette Fleming, offered practical insights and a comprehensive framework for supporting volunteers.

Chris and I left inspired and ready to put these lessons into action as we shape a standout volunteer programme for cultural heritage within the Trust. From archaeology to museums and collections and historic cemeteries, our work simply couldn’t happen without our incredible volunteers.

BNT’s Dr Charlotte Andrews, Myles Darrell, Chris Davies and Dr Dorte Horsfield with Dr Claudette Fleming (centre) at the Nonprofit Alliance session.

As part of our renewed focus on volunteer engagement, we recently held two enriching gatherings with our museums team—one at Globe and another at Verdmont. These sessions brought together our museum staff and volunteers, along with volunteer members of the Museums & Collections Committee and RISE Advisors. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from those who help bring our museums to life. The conversations focused on how we can continue to improve both the volunteer and visitor experience, and the input shared will guide our ongoing work in shaping a stronger, more supportive environment for everyone involved.

If you're interested in joining the museums team and contributing to this vibrant community, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Museums Manager Chris Davies at chris.davies@bnt.bm or call 236-6483 ext. 226.

Please note that Verdmont and Globe Museum will continue to be open Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm until 30 September. Guided tours of Verdmont are at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

L to R: Annette Gilbert, Chris Davies, Michelle Simons, Dr Angela Barry, Peter Frith, Louise Roberts, Marian Jones, Bob Flath, Jo-Rena Davis, Jean Flath, Peter Barrett, Dawn Simmons, Meredith Ebbin, Karen Border, Abigail Faries, Linda O’Shea, Jenny Gosling

Thank You, Louise, for Keeping Us Ticking!

At our recent Verdmont gathering, we also said a heartfelt farewell to one of our most dedicated museum volunteers, Louise Roberts, who is leaving the island. For nearly four years, Louise generously gave her Fridays—and often more—to welcome visitors, open and close the museum, and care for the house itself. Her ‘housekeeping’ included faithfully winding the grandfather clock each week—our chiming sentinel in the entry hall. Louise also offered valuable ideas and feedback to help elevate the Verdmont experience for everyone.

Thank you, Louise—for your time, energy, and dedication.

Natural Heritage Updates

Myles Darrell, Head of Natural Heritage

Spring-ing into action!

‘Tis the season of growth, gratitude and giving

The past month has been remarkably productive. From the Children’s Nature Walk and the Palm Sunday Walk to the opening of High Point Nature Reserve in Southampton, it’s been a time of connection, discovery and purpose. Throughout, we’ve had the chance to engage with volunteers of all ages.

As Charlotte wrote, team members recently participated in a professional development session focused on volunteer programmes. It was a valuable reminder that while we’re proud of the experiences we offer, there’s always room for enhancement. Workshops are our opportunity to “sharpen the tools”. We remain committed to improving the volunteer experience and welcome your feedback and insights to guide us.

It’s never too young to start volunteering – Adonis Xavier Young is 4 years old and proudly helped at the Palm Sunday Walk in St David’s.

These youngsters from Chatmore School helped harvest pumpkins for us to donate to senior homes and the Eliza Doolittle feeding programme.

Heritage Education Updates

Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Manager

What an adventurous week we had at our Bermuda’s Natural Wonderland camp! Children explored mangrove habitats at Waterville, joined the annual Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond, time-travelled to ancient Bermuda at Paget Marsh, and hiked Southlands.

One of the highlights was teaching the children about foraging for food, and with a ripe mulberry tree close by, it wasn’t difficult to put this into action much to their delight! We wrapped up the week by making delicious bread for the children to take home.

There are still a few spots left in our summer camps, but they are going fast. Click here to sign up!