Chloe's Legacy

Golden sunset, Paull Holme Strays (c) Lewis Outing

Remembering Chloe Ellis

We celebrate the life and legacy of Chloe Ellis, a cherished member of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's planning team, who sadly passed away in 2024. Chloe's dedication and passion were instrumental in securing the future of Paull Holme Strays nature reserve and the diverse wildlife that calls it home.

A Legacy of Protection and Advocacy

Nestled beside the historic Fort Paull, a Napoleonic fortress established by Henry VIII, Paull Holme Strays is a sanctuary for wintering and passage birds on the Humber. Since 2000, the fort had operated as a military heritage museum, posing no significant concerns to the surrounding nature reserve.

However, in late 2021, we received news of a planning application for a large caravan park adjacent to the reserve. Recognizing the potential threat of increased human presence and off-lead dogs, which could disturb the delicate ecosystem, we knew immediate action was required.

Rising to the Challenge

In March 2024, at Beverley Town Hall, our team, led by Chloe, took a stand before the Planning Committee. With only three minutes to present our case, we distilled two and a half years of work into a powerful and concise message. Thanks to the support of our communications team, we effectively conveyed the critical importance of preserving this unique habitat.

fox cub eyes close head tilted upwards smiling

A Victory for Wildlife

Our efforts culminated in the refusal of the planning application, a decision that underscored the importance of biodiversity and set a precedent for future conservation efforts. This victory was not just for us, but for the wildlife that depends on Paull Holme Strays. It was a testament to the power of collaboration, consistency, and unwavering dedication.

Chloe's Enduring Impact

Chloe's role in this success cannot be overstated. Her commitment to defending nature and her ability to navigate complex ecological and policy matters were key to our triumph. Chloe's legacy lives on in the thriving wildlife of Paull Holme Strays and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of working with her.

We will continue to honor Chloe's memory by upholding the values she championed and by striving to protect the natural world she loved so dearly.

Chloe was a delight to work with and is dearly missed by us all. She was always enthusiastic in sharing her knowledge and experience to defend nature; a true natural advocate for wildlife.

Chloe joined the Trust after being a planning officer at Bradford City Council, but saw that more needed to be done to defend nature, and that the Trust was well placed to be it’s voice. Chloe was so dedicated to wildlife that she even made the journey down to London to attend the Restore Nature Now march in summer 2024, a day that I often think of when remembering her.