So Long Nev, It’s been an absolute pleasure
Next week sees the end of a chapter in the life of Nev Kilkenny, our apprentice Mycologist. But it’s not all bad news. As one door closes, another opens and we are hopeful that Nev will continue to work closely with BTCV through our environmental training programme. He will also be providing mentoring support for Sam, our new Mycologist.
I remember the first time I met Nev, and to be fair I wasn’t too sure what to expect. What I found was that he was, and still is, fanatical about Fungi, a very nice chap all round and a credit to Natural Talent.
It was after meeting Nev that I really ‘got’ Natural Talent. I knew that these guys and girls were a special breed of individual, but most have some academia experience behind them. Nev came from a carpentry background, which makes his achievements more incredible. I too chose to change career in later life and i know the pressures that it can bring with it, not just on yourself but on your family. Nev should be applauded for his achievements over the past 18 months. By all accounts he can knock up a loft conversion in the blink of an eye…
I’ve been fortunate to see Nev in his native habitat on several ocassions, usually under the guidance of his mentor, the eminent Mycologist Roy Watling and on all of these ocassions, Nev’s knowledge, and even more so his energy and enthusaism have shone through. Who can forget his epic performance at our inaugural Natural Talent training day, what a star.
And talking of stars. He’s even found a species of fungi never before recorded in the UK!!
The False Earthstar fungi (see beolw) or Mycenastrum corium if you prefer the Latin.
And this is where Nev’s journey began. He had a Rob Roy moment, in this very hut. A few days before his interview, he visitied Dawyck Botanic gardens and as he sat in the wee hut looking for inspiration, he saw a spider struggling as it climbed up it’s web…..actually thats another story. What he did see was a copy of the lower plant strategy, which he read, and it inspired him to deliver a killer presentation and the rest, as they say, is his story……..
We’ll miss you Nev, but the door to Balallan House will always be open for you, except on Sundays, most Saturdays and bank holidays.
Oh and Christmas.
And New year too.
Did i mention the Easter weekend?
😉