A tribute to Roger Mitchell

A tribute to Roger Mitchell

Reed beds at Potteric Carr (c) John Potter

We remember Roger Mitchell, a beloved and charismatic leader whose perseverance and dedication to nature conservation and his vision for its future had significant and long-lasting impacts on Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's nature reserves.

Instrumental in the creation and preservation of Potteric Carr nature reserve for more than fifty years, Roger's hard work cannot be underestimated. He was a dedicated campaigner, and as part of his role prevented the M18 route from going through the centre of the reserve in the 1970s and 80s, and developed Huxter Well Marsh and the education centre during the early 2000s. His enduring vision for what Potteric Carr could be and the vital role it would play as a beloved 'green lung' of South Yorkshire and a site of Special Scientific Interest is more evident than ever when you visit today.

Roger was also an essential and valued advisor for the restoration of North Cave Wetlands nature reserve when it was acquired in 2000. He helped to develop the reserve's layout, drainage, access and habitat as it was gradually developed from the remains of a quarry into a wildlife haven. This included designing the large, shallow lake with the islands, cliffs and reedbeds that we see today, a landscape which has become possibly our best habitat lake with space for passage waders and our first breeding avocets.

We will be forever grateful for Roger's hard work and determination, and the legacy he leaves; he will be greatly missed. We send our deepest condolences and heartfelt wishes to his wife, family and friends.

A reflection of some wispy pink clouds in the reedbed