In Memory of Ann Stuart, Founder of Wild About Bath

Wild About Bath is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Ann Stuart, wife, mother, former Biology Teacher at Monkton Senior School, and our founder, guiding spirit and dear friend.

Ann (alongside Christine Absolon) created Wild About Bath with a simple but powerful belief: that nature thrives when people notice, cherish, and protect the wild beauty on their doorstep. What began as her personal passion grew, through her energy, kindness, and quiet determination, into a community that now connects hundreds of people with the wildlife of our city.

One of Ann’s most joyful contributions was her daily Tiny Delights, which she began in January 2024. Every day she shared something small that had brought her happiness: sometimes a moment in nature, sometimes a detail from everyday life. Her delights ranged from daffodils blooming in January, to close‑ups of fungi, to the unforgettable sight of a lesser horseshoe bat. These gentle observations became a cherished part of the community, reminding us to slow down and notice the small wonders around us. One of her Tiny Delights went on to win 3rd place in the Wild About Bath Photography Competition 2024, a testament to her eye for beauty and her ability to inspire others.

Ann had an extraordinary gift for helping others see the magic in the everyday: hidden secrets in an owl pellet, the shimmer of a dragonfly over her pond, the miniscule sepals of a hellebore. She inspired so many to look closely, share what they found, and feel part of something bigger. Her legacy lives on in every walk, every photo shared, every child who learns the name of a flower, every neighbour who pauses to appreciate a bird call. Though Ann stepped back from the day-to-day running of Wild About Bath in 2023, she remained an enthusiastic participant at our events and on Facebook.

Wild About Bath exists because Ann believed that small acts of noticing can change how a community feels about the natural world. We will honour her by continuing the work she began with curiosity, joy, and care for the wild places she loved.

Our thoughts are with her family and all who knew and loved her.