Meet the Youth Action Committee

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!

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.

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! 

"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."

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.

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.

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.