Roger Riley was the driving force behind the group that in a few short years saw Big Pool Wood Nature Reserve develop from a little known, dark, overgrown reedbed, to one of our most accessible wetlands, populated by dragonflies and butterflies fluttering and dancing through dappled sunny glades and rides, visited and loved by many people. Visitors can sit and enjoy the range of birds from any of the three hides and catch a glimpse of notable wildflowers such as the giant bellflower.

When Roger and Gill first visited Big Pool Wood, they took it to their hearts becoming members of the Wildlife Trust and volunteered at the work parties. He has been a constant presence since always welcoming new and old visitors alike and encouraging them to join the trust or get them to come to the work parties. But Roger also had a vision, and the drive, dedication and know-how to help lift Big Pool Wood from an over-grown reedbed to one of the most accessible nature reserves in North-East Wales and a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers.  He was involved in everything from installing boardwalks and bird hides to the daily demands of keeping the bird feeders topped up and the paths open.

In 2019, Roger and Gill decided that they would like to donate a second hide to the nature reserve. Tragically, before construction started, Gill was very suddenly taken from us. Roger was devastated. The new hide became a tribute to Gill; Roger poured everything into the project. With help from family and friends “The Gill Riley Hide” was completed in August 2019. A further hide was donated, and mostly constructed, by Roger in 2020 as lockdown eased. Roger then became a critical member of the volunteer team that installed a new boardwalk and hard surface pathways enabling disabled access around the whole reserve. As a result, the place is often teaming with visitors. More recently a pond dipping platform was completed to Roger’s design. Amazingly, he did all this while battling cancer. This often made him feel very unwell but he would put younger members of the work parties to shame with his drive.

Roger was also keen to tell the world about Big Pool Wood and initiated a successful Facebook group, everyday embellished with beautiful photographs, helping to recruit new members and putting the reserve prominently ‘on the map’.

Roger was never happier than when he was showing people of all ages around the reserve, sharing his knowledge and just chatting.

His passion for wildlife and Big Pool Wood touched a lot of people and he will be missed by all.