Roots of care 

Round & About

Charlotte Karmali nurtures volunteers and nature alike, earning BBOWT recognition for her extraordinary work at Finemere Wood.

Charlotte Karmali’s impact on the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) goes far beyond her role as volunteer warden at Finemere Wood. Awarded a BBOWT Outstanding Contribution Award, Charlotte has inspired volunteers, welcomed newcomers, and shared the beauty of her local ancient woodland with infectious warmth. 

“I’ve always seen my work with volunteers as much about people as nature,” she says. “Whether I was caring for patients as a district nurse or guiding volunteers in the woods, patience, encouragement, and a cup of tea make all the difference.” 

Charlotte has led the volunteer team at Finemere Wood since 2013. Here, amid carpets of bluebells in spring and the glorious succession of wildflowers through summer, she has created a space where volunteers feel valued, connected, and inspired. Her leadership style, rooted in kindness and attention, keeps people coming back year after year. 

The woodland is more than a patch of green; it is a sanctuary for wildlife and a community hub for those who visit. Rare species such as black hairstreak and purple emperor butterflies and Bechstein’s bats thrive under the careful stewardship of Charlotte and her team. She also encourages a wider audience to connect with nature through her blogs for BBOWT and local newsletters, sharing insights, seasonal work party highlights, and stories that spark curiosity about the natural world. 

“Finemere Wood is a haven, especially now as HS2 reshapes the landscape around us. I feel privileged to care for it and to bring others along on the journey,” Charlotte reflects. Her dedication ensures the woodland remains a place for discovery, learning, and joy. 

Beyond Finemere, Charlotte enjoys exploring the Chilterns and Oxfordshire’s nature reserves, swimming with the Bluetits Chill Swimmers in the Thames, and supporting mental health initiatives through Lindengate Charity. Her love of the outdoors and her community is palpable, whether she’s baking potatoes in a Christmas work party bonfire or crafting a wreath at a workshop. 

Her wish for the world is simple and profound: “For people to care for nature and act to reverse climate change. Every living species deserves a safe space to flourish, and it’s our shared responsibility to protect that balance.” 

In Charlotte’s hands, the care of Finemere Wood is more than volunteer work — it is a testament to what happens when passion, community, and kindness meet the natural world.