Wildlife Trust’s CEO and Trustee Honoured With MBEs

Published on: 13 Jun, 2026
Updated on: 13 Jun, 2026

Sarah Jane Chimbwandira: rewarded for her service to the environment

Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive, Sarah Jane Chimbwandira, has been made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for her longstanding service to nature and the environment.

Since graduating in zoology in 1990, she has dedicated her career to exploring new ways of protecting and restoring the natural world, with a growing emphasis on bringing environmentally-sustainable practices into the mainstream of policymaking, finance and land management.

Apart from being SWT’s CEO, she is also Chair of Nature South East and a Trustee of The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.

Sarah Jane Chimbwandira said: “It’s a great thrill to be recognised on behalf of the many fabulous people who work with the Trust to revive Surrey’s natural world and people’s connection with it. This mission grows more important by the day, and we will approach it with more urgency and enthusiasm than ever.”

SWT Trustee Simon Humphreys, whose expertise has been invaluable to the Trust for many years, was made an MBE for his work for wildlife.

He started volunteering with the SWT in 1982 and his many achievements include serving as Voluntary Reserve Manager for more than 30 years at the Trust’s Dawcombe reserve near Leatherhead – now among the most species-rich chalk grassland habitats in the country.

Surrey Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK. With the support of volunteers and members they manage over 5000ha of land for wildlife and people in Surrey. They also work with other organisations and landowners to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county and inspire local communities and young people to care for wildlife where they live. Visit surreywildlifetrust.org