Joe was always a keen naturalist and this led to him becoming an excellent botanist, largely self-taught. He was also one of the Trust's earliest members and used to help manage Ddol Uchaf Nature Reserve back in the days when we had no dedicated reserve staff. He used his extensive expertise to assist staff with countless surveys. With his keen eye and meticulous approach, he helped us assess a wide range of sites – from school fields and churchyards to road verges and nature reserves – for their botanical value. His work helped us understand the condition of a site and what could be done to improve it.

Joe was a generous teacher to all who knew him. He helped countless members of staff improve their plant identification skills and led several ID workshops for our projects. His detailed plant lists helped others understand the floral interest of their own land, highlighting the importance of plants not only on their own but as indicators of a site's history and general health.

Joe was a regular and welcome visitor to our East office at Aberduna. Staff always enjoyed having some "Joe time", which meant a sit-down with a cup of tea or a "paned o de" (as Joe's broken Welsh would allow). He took a genuine interest in our projects, always looking for opportunities to lend his expertise and experience. Many of us truly appreciated the chance to run ideas past him and gain his seasoned, broader perspective. He also had a famously generous spirit – he always brought biscuits for the office and at Christmas, a pot of marmalade for every single member of staff.

We have gathered some tributes from staff and friends...

Gemma Rose: "Such sad news. He supported and taught me so much whilst I did my work placement for University with the Trust."

Jonny Hulson: "Joe’s dedication and vast knowledge of the natural history of North Wales will be sorely missed by volunteers and staff at NWWT. The sense of exploration he shared for the hidden wild corners of North East Wales on his botanical walks was an inspiration when I started volunteering for the Trust. Thank you Joe!"

Adrian Lloyd Jones: "I am so very sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He was always such a great help to me, happily giving his time to carry out botanical surveys, lead guided walks, assist with events and provide advice as a member of Conservation Committee."

"Joe's enthusiasm for nature was matched by his fascinating life story. Before dedicating his time to botany, he served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, stationed in Germany for a period. He would use his leave to go on nature rambles, sometimes with his Regimental Sergeant Major lending him binoculars for birdwatching. In later life, after his retirement working in car sales, Joe refined his botanical expertise at Bangor University, gaining a Master’s Degree under figures like Dr. Goronwy Wynne. He was also an active member of the local Flintshire U3A and the Dyserth Environment Group, where he led many walks and talks on plants."

"His contributions and friendship will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him."