Le Chameau x National Trust: A sign of things to come

On the ground, on the farm, along the coastal path; every day, through wind, rain and sunshine, we have been working with a handful of the National Trust team members for the past year to see how the new and exclusive Le Chameau x National Trust Vierzon boots have fared through the seasons and its elements.

One of those team members we are working with is Richard Snow, Countryside Manager at Wembury Beach in South Devon. On a day that saw all seasons in one, from sideways rain to blisteringly hot sun, we visited Richard managing the Wembury coastal path to see how he was getting on with the boots and what it meant for him to be working outside in the elements on this beautiful corner of the Southwest.

Richard, tell us a little about your role and your connection to the area.

I’m Richard Snow and being the Countryside Manager for the National Trust, I have the pleasure of looking after 50 miles of coastline here on the Southwest. I manage a small team of rangers who go and carry out day-to-day tasks, making sure the coastline is a welcoming and safe place for visitors.  

Here in South Devon, we have been working to improve the state of nature. One very special fact about this section of coastline is that we have Britain’s rarest bee, the Six-banded Nomad Bee. For me, it’s very important that we encourage all types of wildlife from mammals to invertebrates and pollinators like these rare bees.   

“Our bird numbers have gone through the roof including the rare cirl bunting which has doubled in number over the last five years.” 

What do you enjoy most about your job?   

I work in a location that is made up of tranquil, turquoise seas, steep cliffs, beautiful sandy coves. So, what's not to love? I also love the fact that we are in the process of evolving lots of our farmland to make it much more nature-friendly, re-establishing wildflower meadows and incorporating more diverse species in our grassland swards.

Even in the short time we’ve started, it’s encouraged tons of butterflies and our bird numbers have gone through the roof including the rare cirl bunting which has doubled in number over the last five years.  

Describe the National Trust to you one word, and why?   

Ambitious. Why? Well, they have set an agenda for nature recovery. It’s been a real sea change in the organisation from what I thought was stuffy old houses, the National Trust are focusing much more nature recovery. It’s fantastic. Nature is in a really difficult place at the moment, and it's really important that organisations like the National Trust, which is a conservation organisation, can step up and set the ambition for people to connect to our land and help nature's recovery.  

Describe the Le Chameau x National Trust Vierzon boots in one word.   

Lush!   

How do the boots suit your work here on the Southwest coastline?   

The boots are absolutely ideal. They are wonderfully soft and flexible and really, really comfortable to wear all day long. So, whether I’m walking the countryside, wading through rivers or walking up the banks here on the coastline, the boots are just brilliant all-round. 

I also wear them a lot in my office which is located at South Farm just down the coastline from here at Wembury Beach. The farmstead is a place to show the public how a farm can also be a place for nature which we converted a few years ago.   

For the side fastening, do you prefer the zip, the slip, or the buckle?   

The buckles for me, they are easy to use and work really well.

Do you have a favourite place on the Southwest, or is it a secret?   

I’m happy to share my favourite place in all of South Devon and that a little cove called Ayrmer Cove. It’s a beautiful location for a walk, the geology there looks like shards and mirrors going out to the sea when the sun hits it. It's absolutely beautiful.   

“Being outside is my happy place. It's the place that recharges my soul, makes me feel happy every day…”  

What's does it mean for you to be outside in nature?   

Being outside is my happy place. It's the place that recharges my soul, makes me feel happy every day to come to work and to have the pleasure and privilege to look after such a beautiful bit of coastline. This makes me a very happy individual.   

Lastly, would you recommend the boots to your friends and family?   

The boots have been absolutely outstanding. I've been wearing this pair for a year now. As I said, they are super soft, flexible and really comfortable to wear for a whole day outside. I would heartly recommend these boots to everybody.

Founded on a mutual admiration for heritage, artistry and support for the natural environment, we have teamed up with Europe’s largest conservation charity to launch our most sustainable product yet, the exclusive Le Chameau x National Trust Vierzon boot. As luxury meet heritage; this Le Chameau x National Trust collaboration is a pure celebration of the outdoors. Like everything we do at Le Chameau, our boots champion quality, comfort and reliability. 

Discover for yourself our most sustainable boot yet, Le Chameau x National Trust Vierzon boot.