In the Spotlight: Duncan Porter - Deputy Protector & Supervolunteer at Protect Earth

Duncan Porter is a Protect Earth super volunteer, a volunteer extraordinaire, or, as Phil refers to him, a Deputy to Protect Earth.

We caught up with Duncan recently on his environmental journey to highlight the lengths community members go to because of their convictions. Our community is Protect Earth, landowners who Protect Earth support greening their lands, and a whole slew of people who give time, money, and effort so we can all enjoy more greenery and the benefits.

Without further waffling, please enjoy Duncan's story.

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1. When did your interest in the environment begin?

I spent most of my childhood in rivers, up trees and turning over stones and logs to see what I could find, but I spent a lot of my adult life in willful denial about the real trouble we are all in, expecting governments and world leaders to step in and step up.

About a decade ago I realised that the cavalry weren’t coming. In fact the cavalry took non-exec director roles at oil companies.

At that point I decided that if my time, energy and influence could make even the smallest difference, it would be worth it.

Never far from being stuck in and never without a smile!

2. Before becoming involved with Protect Earth, what would you do to do your bit for the environment?

Firstly, helping look after local nature reserves. Next, I quickly realised that the biggest and easiest action any individual could make was with their food choices, so I stopped eating meat and later stopped eating dairy (unless it’s about to be thrown out - I hate wastage!).

As a very keen long distance and off-road cyclist, I became involved in local campaigning for safer roads for active travel and reducing the need for cars. Off the back of that work, I connected with other local climate action campaigns, helping with repair cafes fixing bikes and running litter campaigns.

3. When did you become aware of Protect Earth, and how did you get involved?

I followed Phil [Protect Earth’s Chair and co-founder] on Twitter for cyclocross posts and soon vicariously enjoyed his adventures across Europe.

We became real life friends when we connected over a possible woodland purchase in Bath, cycling and a strong desire to reverse the damage done to the planet. Since then I help whenever I can. Phil calls me a deputy, which works for me. I turn up whenever I can and do whatever is useful, including recently coordinating volunteers on the day.

4. How many events have you been to?

I’ve lost count. Probably between 20 and 30?

5. What's your favourite memory or the story you like telling about your time with Protect Earth?

Every event is an adventure, but I think my fondest memory is the first time I helped Phil at the Protect Earth owned High Wood in Cornwall, shortly after purchase. We spent most of the day fully removing every invasive Rhododendron we could find and burned them! It felt like a real early win on a generation spanning project to return that woodland to a temperate rainforest. 

6. What do you look forward to most with an upcoming event?

There’s always an immense sense of satisfaction that comes with improving habitats and increasing tree cover, but I always look forward to reconnecting with friends I’ve made on these projects and making new ones. If you’re willing to give up your time to stand in a field planting hundreds of trees, whatever the weather, you are my type of person.

7. How many parts of the UK have you visited volunteering with Protect Earth?

Mid Wales, West Wales, East Wales, Somerset, Cornwall, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Gloucester. I know I’ve missed some.

8. Do you stay in touch with volunteers that you meet at events?

Yes! Some people I’ve met at these events are now very good friends. I’ve also brought very good friends and family to events. There’s lots of time to chat at these events. It’s very social.

Protect Earth is validated and has grown because of you, our growing community, and our group's recognition that more needs to be done by us as a community to protect and enhance biodiversity in the UK.

As a Protect Earth community member, there are plenty of ways to get involved, from giving your time at one of our events held all over the UK to something more specific to what you do professionally. If you have any ideas, we've got open ears ready to hear them, so don't delay further telling us about them!