Established in March 2023 the Youth Action Committee meets regularly to take action to meet the following aims:
- Engage young people (aged 11 – 30) with wildlife in Surrey
- Empower and encourage young people to take independent action to help wildlife
- Provide opportunities for young people to develop personal and professional skills and make them aware of the variety and types of job roles within the green jobs/environmental sector
- To increase the level of awareness of Surrey Wildlife Trust as an organisation, and the work we do
Meet our Youth Action Committee Officers
Josie Stuart - Chair

"Nature and natural history have been important to me for many years; being surrounded by nature is incredibly calming, and I love exploring the different habitats the UK has to offer – woodland and coastal habitats are by far my favourite! I went to study biology at university and now work in the Plant Health team at the Royal Horticultural Society based at Wisley. Ultimately, I am driven by wanting to create a greener and healthier world for people and the planet.
I'm really excited to be joining the Youth Action Committee. As co-chair I strongly believe that a key part of reversing the decline of wildlife and their habitats is through providing opportunities for the younger generation to be inspired and get involved with tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis. I want to use my life learnings, as well as the experiences of fellow YAC members, to co-lead the Youth Action Committee to its full potential. This will be a chance to meet like-minded people, and to educate and equip the next generation with skills, knowledge and guidance on how they can take action for nature."
Alex Lamond - Events Officer

Hi, I'm Alex, and I'm passionate about the natural world! I believe that connecting with nature is a fantastic way to spend your time, as a fun, informative activity that's great for your mental health.
As someone who has been heavily involved in the academic side of biology, I feel incredibly lucky for the opportunities I've had to explore and protect nature. As the Events Officer with the YAC, it's important to me that I can provide people with accessible opportunities to connect with nature, as well as opportunities to learn and socialise with others.
The SWT has continued to achieve exciting milestones in conserving Surrey’s biodiversity, and I'm enthusiastic to support the YAC in getting the next generation involved!
Ashley Greening - Marketing and Communications Officer

"Hi, I’m Ashley and I love nature and the outdoors! Even when I was little, I would spend as much time as I could outside exploring, learning and taking in as much as I could which has only increased as I have gotten older and even more since becoming a wheelchair user. It is no surprise really that I do as much volunteering and passing on my passion as I can from helping with practical conservation to getting involved with young people sharing my enthusiasm and knowledge for wildlife. I also like to show people that nature is for everyone, and anyone can enjoy the outdoors if you have the determination, you can do whatever you put your mind to!
I can't wait to help with the youth action committee and hope to encourage even more to get outside."
Edward Douglas - Fundraising Officer

Hi, I’m Ed and as you can see, I love walking in nature. I’ve been immersed in nature all my life and although I don’t work in the field, I have a great passion for conservation and the championing of our natural world. My passions lie largely in the ways we can increase our biodiversity and bioabundance through understanding and respecting nature. I am a massive fan of rewilding, rewetting, rewiggling, reanything basically.
I believe the young people of the world form the most nature positive generation yet, and I look forward to working with the committee to welcome as many young people into our natural world as possible.
I have been involved with charities since my early days and really value their communities. I look forward to working with and being inspired by like-minded people. I hugely appreciate this opportunity to work with SWT and take action for nature.
Ariya Agarwal

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Hey, I am Ariya and I am currently 16 years old, studying my A-levels which are Geography, Economics and Maths. I have always had an eager passion for conservation and wildlife, and this has been established from a number of experiences that I have been a part of at a young age, such as volunteering with turtles in Sri Lanka! During this time I was really able to understand what I would love to do in the future which is working with nature and I am so excited that I get to be part of the Surrey Wildlife Trust so I can start this first step!
I am really looking forward to working with the Youth Action Committee to get involved with different initiatives and projects, that I hope will make a difference in some way and also to meet like-minded people that care about conservation in a much needed manner. I am thrilled to be able to bring new perspectives to the committee and to be part of a movement that I strongly believe in!
Pic of Ariya is pending so until then enjoy this picture of one of her favourite species of wildlife - the noble kingfisher!
Millie Gates

Hello! I'm Millie and my main interest is earthworm ecology and soil health!! I am 19 and studying Wildlife and Conservation.
Being fascinated by the natural world, I knew it was in my future to help protect it… however, as a city kid, I was unsure how to get involved.
A few years ago I took the plunge to study animal science and, after stumbling upon a worm book on a library visit and having the amazing opportunity to join a practical volunteering program, my doors were open. I knew I wanted to share my excitement and help other young people have the opportunity to explore their relationship with nature and find their interests and passion to better protect our world.
A lot of what you hear about our environment at the moment can sound sad, however talking and educating individuals on this is the first step we need to take.
I'm just as excited for the next steps after this… hoping to continue my research in the following years on earthworms (of course) and their importance relating to sustainability - and how to protect them. This will hopefully support our changing world and I want to share this with everyone through the youth action committee!
Young minds with passion, enthusiasm and innovative ideas are such an important part of positive change and I can’t wait to be a part of it!
Aidan Crouch

"My name is Aidan, I am 16 years old and I live in Guildford. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be involved with animals and nature in some way. I have enjoyed voluntary work in the past, whether that is surveying plants and butterflies on Pewley Down or making coffee at Cafe Zero. I am excited to become part of the Youth Action Committee, learn new skills, meet new people and help protect the environment. I have been inspired by the recent efforts of my community to purchase, protect and restore Pewley Meadows, in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust, to form an important wildlife corridor. This shows what can be achieved when communities come together. I have lived in Surrey for most of my life and I am looking forward to playing a small part in protecting its landscapes and wildlife."
Emily Burden

I have always appreciated the natural world and so studied geography at university. When I graduated I decided I wanted to apply the skills from my degree to conservation and was lucky to get an internship with Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Space4Nature team. Over this time I have learned a lot more about nature and enjoy paying more attention to landscapes around me and thinking about why they are a certain way.
I am enthusiastic about creating tools and learning resources that might help and encourage more people to get involved in nature. I am also a fan of species recording as I love spending time outdoors, going on walks and trying to identify different species even If I’m not very good at it yet!
I am excited to be in the youth action committee to meet other like-minded people and use my skills to encourage and provide more opportunities for young people to be involved with nature.
Charlotte Harris

"My name is Charlotte and I’m 27 years old. I love wildlife and currently volunteer in various wildlife education and conservation roles, including running a local hedgehog awareness group, volunteering at Wildlife Aid, and managing my local toad patrol! I’m already an education volunteer with Surrey Wildlife Trust and am excited for this new opportunity to help more people in Surrey get inspired to help nature.
Meeting other young people who share my passion for helping wildlife is another thing that I am looking forward to as a Youth Action Committee member, and I hope that we can show more young people how they can get involved with the brilliant work that Surrey Wildlife Trust do."
Nat Knight
My name is Nat and I’m currently studying Environment and Sustainability BSc at the University of Surrey.
Originally from a coastal village in Cornwall, I grew up immersed in nature and have always been passionate about conservation and other environmental issues. Despite this, since moving away for university, I’ve realised I took the joy and knowledge having so much wildlife at my doorstep brought me for granted. I’ve also begun to think more critically about how I can engage with nature less passively and actively serve it whether through practical conservation fieldwork and knowledge or through encouraging social change.
I’m so excited to join the Youth Action Committee! My studies have taken me away from conservation and ecology somewhat and I look forward to redeveloping my knowledge and skills as well as helping the group to organise events, meaningfully connect more young people to nature and amplify youth voices.
John Muzalewski

I have loved studying geography, with elements of both the physical and social world woven into the course, it has helped me to appreciate the delicate balance of the environment and humans. With the ever increasing climate problem it is even more important to have more capable geographers that can help plan for future generations and ensure every animal that calls the world their home isn't at risk of dying out. As more of a human geographer living in London, I have appreciated more urban parts of the course where I can think about urban environments and their impact on animals, people and the weather. Looking towards the future and tackling problems of sustainability especially in the transport sector is a particular area of interest for me, with an independent research project on the impacts of the Croydon Tramlink gaining me an A* in the summer of Year 12.
Having started at SWT as a work experience student in June 2022 I have continued to return and volunteer my time to help teach the younger generation about nature on their doorstep with the many holiday clubs and school activities Surrey Wildlife Trust runs. Joining the Youth Action Committee is another step forwards in helping give back to the local area and inspiring a new era of change and environmental passion in Surrey. I hope that in the time I am with the YAC, I can continually inspire people to think more about the natural world and consider the future of our planet just like I did with my passion for urban geography.
Zara Rashid

Hello! I am Zara Rashid! I am 16, and currently a student at The American School in England (TASIS). I have always been awestruck by mother nature, and beautiful scenery, wildlife and processes, everywhere around the world because of its scale and logic. My love for ecology and conservation biology came from first uncovering the natural ecological processes behind the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. Ever since then, understanding that the presence of wolves could change the course of a river, all of which can be justified by quite a logical explanation has never ceased to deepen my curiosity in ecology and longing to help conserve the wildlife we have left in the world.
I know I can't take on trying to help the world, not by myself, and certainly not the whole thing! Therefore, the Surrey Wildlife Trust is one of the best communities I am joining to be a part of the conservation efforts in Surrey, a way to contribute to a future for wildlife, and grow the love of nature in the people of Surrey.
Joshua Stolworthy

Hey, I’m Josh. I’m 18 years old, with a deferred entry to Zoology at Reading University! I’ve had a huge love for the animal kingdom (especially the not-so-huge bugs!) from a tender age. Recently, plants have become a major part of my passion too. Nature is enchanting and laden with mysteries, and I’ve come to appreciate it more since lockdown. I am a dedicated nature nerd and will happily and/or accidentally spend my free time scanning through websites and books to learn about a topic I’m interested in. My ADHD is likely to blame… or thank. We have an, uh, on-off relationship.
The Youth Action Committee was very welcoming and getting to be part of this is an honour. I joined in April 2023 after hearing about it at a SWT event. Everyone is inclusive and friendly, and I say this as someone with social anxiety. I believe people like this can make Surrey a green ‘beacon of hope’ in this rather nature-deprived country. It’d be great to see your face at the next YAC organised event! Remember, no matter the size of your contribution, be that money, time or voice every little bit helps.

Photos by Laura Ashfield, Charlotte Harris and Marcus Wherle
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