BTO Youth Representatives

BTO Youth Representatives engage young people with nature and science by organising events in their region, and working with local communities and stakeholders. They are part of BTO’s wider Youth Engagement Strategy, which has been developed by the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP). 

BTO’s Youth Representatives cover the whole of the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. You can browse their profiles below, or jump to a specific region to find your local rep: 

Get in touch with your local Youth Rep

We'd love to hear from you!

You can reach out to your local Youth Representative with questions and comments by emailing the BTO Youth team at youth [at] bto.org.

England - London, the South West and the South East

Georgina, 23, Hertfordshire / Brighton

Georgina is a 23-year-old Biology graduate from the University of St. Andrews and has always had a passion for conservation. She is currently part of a graduate scheme focussing on Environment, Health and Safety. She developed a love for birding after watching her first bird ringing demonstration at the Knepp Estate. She is now a ringing trainee working towards achieving her C-permit and expanding her knowledge of birds.

As a BTO Youth Representative she aims to engage young individuals with wildlife and develop their appreciation for the natural world. She believes providing sources of inspiration for young people through activities such as bird ringing demonstrations and nature-oriented talks are extremely important as they can shape their futures.

Amelie, 21, Buckinghamshire / Cambridgeshire

Amelie is currently studying Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter, specialising in Animal Biology. Having grown up in Australia, she’s always been passionate about nature and wildlife, from the seas to the skies, and hopes to potentially return one day to work in conservation.

She has previously volunteered as a Youth Ranger for her local parks trust, and has also been a Youth Ambassador for the DofE Award, and is excited to combine what she has learned from these experiences to run engaging and inspiring nature events.

Amelie has a special passion for owls and birds of prey, and hopes to share her enthusiasm with others through this role, as well as learning more about birding and the amazing range of bird species here in the UK.

Mya, 22, Dorset

Mya is a 22-year-old birder, wildlife photographer, naturalist, and vlogger. She is currently studying an Ecology and Wildlife Conservation degree at Bournemouth University. Having had a passion for wildlife since the age of 8, she is now hoping to encourage the next generation to take up an interest in the natural world.

Alongside her studies, she is an ambassador for the Cameron Bespolka Trust, Leica Sport Optics, and a council member for the Sussex Ornithological Society. 

Hannah, 25, Dorset / Greater Manchester 

Hannah first became a BTO Youth Rep 3 years ago at the University of South Wales, where she studied BSc(Hons) in Natural History, a combination of biology, ecology and wildlife photography and filmmaking. During her time at university, she started the USW Nature and Ornithology Society to engage as many students as possible in nature from all backgrounds.

Nature has the immense potential to help people appreciate the present moment and find respect for our environment, which has inspired Hannah's passion for outdoor adventure. She is now a mountain leader and working as an assistant ranger for the Wildlife Trust. She hopes to continue to engage young people in the mountains and in wildlife through the BTO. You can follow Hannah on Instagram.

Jose, 17, Gloucestershire

Jose has been a wildlife enthusiast from a young age, always loving nature wherever he goes. Alongside nature, he is also passionate about crochet and reading. He loves to be outdoors and to be in a natural environment as much as he can. He has also taken up nature photography recently as another one of his hobbies.

He is currently studying for his A-Levels. In addition, he has been involved in several activities and opportunities around the UK, such as being awarded a Young Darwin Scholarship.

In the future, Jose strives to get more people involved in nature. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

Humphrey, 23, London

Humphrey is a birder and filmmaker from South-East London. Born and raised in Lewisham, he grew to love the natural world by visiting the Natural History Museum, Horniman Museum, and watching classic Attenborough documentaries. He got into birding via regular visits to family in Norfolk, where he fell in love with bitterns, spoonbills, and all the waders of the Wash.

Having obtained a degree in Zoology from the University of Exeter in Penryn, he is now studying for a Masters in Directing and Producing Natural History at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, with ambitions to make wildlife films that help more people fall in love with nature.

With BTO Youth he hopes to get more young people from urban areas outdoors and excited about birds, butterflies, and the natural world. His favourite UK bird is the Ring-necked Parakeet, as they wake him up on time every morning!

Lucy, 24, Cornwall

Lucy is currently studying for a masters in Conservation and Biodiversity at the University of Exeter, based in Cornwall. She loves all aspects of the natural world and wants to work to protect it in the future.

She believes birds are a great way to get people to discover and appreciate the nature around them, even (and especially) in urban areas. As a BTO Youth Representative, she hopes to help people build this connection to and passion for wildlife and the outdoors.  

Niamh, 21, Oxfordshire /  Bedfordshire

Niamh is a birder, naturalist and environmentalist from Bedfordshire who is currently in her third year at the University of Oxford. She is passionate about wildlife conservation and her lifelong goal is to stop the biodiversity and climate crises.

From a young age, thanks to hours spent on her grandparents’ farm and walking with her parents in the countryside, she has been immersed in the natural world. She hopes that, as a Youth Representative, she can give other young people the opportunity to be immersed in the natural world as she was. She strongly believes that this will foster deep connections between young people and birds and wildlife, and will motivate young people to protect our natural world.

At university, she is Oxford Ornithological Student Society (OXOSS) President and is also involved in the Nature Conservation Society. Niamh is also a senior ambassador for the Tree Council. You can follow her on Instagram.

Ramandeep, 20, Reading / Birmingham

Ramandeep is a third year zoology student at the University of Reading and is currently in her placement year with the Global Rewilding Alliance.

She loves community organising and learning new skills so that she can improve access to nature for all. 

She is currently a key organiser for UK Youth for Nature, a trustee for the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, and part of the team for the youth storytelling podcast 'Generation Nature'.

Johana, 23, Reading

Johana is an undergraduate student currently pursuing her studies in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation. As a dedicated wildlife photographer and writer, she melds her passions to show the beauty of our planet and ways to protect it.

She has volunteered for conservation organisations including Amazon Conservation and Greenpeace. She is lucky enough to be able to travel the world getting to know different cultures and learning about innovative approaches to preserve the environment. Her big passion is environmental education and creating a welcoming community for people interested in nature conservation.

Her favourite parts of nature are plants and birds with which she hopes to work in the future. You can follow her on Instagram.

England - East and West Midlands and the East of England

Iris, 20, Bedfordshire / Lothian

Iris is an undergraduate at Edinburgh University studying Chinese. She has always been interested in birds, a passion which feeds into her wider concerns about conservation and habitat protection.

Helping organise events for an environmental group at school made her realise the importance of engaging young people in issues related to this field. She hopes to be able to continue this through her role as Youth Representative for BTO in Lothian and Bedfordshire.

Niamh, 21, Bedfordshire / Oxfordshire

Niamh is a birder, naturalist and environmentalist from Bedfordshire who is currently in her third year at the University of Oxford. She is passionate about wildlife conservation and her lifelong goal is to stop the biodiversity and climate crises.

From a young age, thanks to hours spent on her grandparents’ farm and walking with her parents in the countryside, she has been immersed in the natural world. She hopes that, as a Youth Representative, she can give other young people the opportunity to be immersed in the natural world as she was. She strongly believes that this will foster deep connections between young people and birds and wildlife, and will motivate young people to protect our natural world.

At university, she is Oxford Ornithological Student Society (OXOSS) President and is also involved in the Nature Conservation Society. Niamh is also a senior ambassador for the Tree Council. You can follow her on Instagram.

Ramandeep, 20, Reading / Birmingham

Ramandeep is a third year zoology student at the University of Reading and is currently in her placement year with the Global Rewilding Alliance.

She loves community organising and learning new skills so that she can improve access to nature for all. 

She is currently a key organiser for UK Youth for Nature, a trustee for the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, and part of the team for the youth storytelling podcast 'Generation Nature'.

Amelie, 21, Cambridgeshire / Buckinghamshire

Amelie is currently studying Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter, specialising in Animal Biology. Having grown up in Australia, she’s always been passionate about nature and wildlife, from the seas to the skies, and hopes to potentially return one day to work in conservation.

She has previously volunteered as a Youth Ranger for her local parks trust, and has also been a Youth Ambassador for the DofE Award, and is excited to combine what she has learned from these experiences to run engaging and inspiring nature events.

Amelie has a special passion for owls and birds of prey, and hopes to share her enthusiasm with others through this role, as well as learning more about birding and the amazing range of bird species here in the UK.

Rhys, 18, Essex

Rhys has always had a great passion for wildlife and hopes to use this in his position as the Youth Representative for Essex. He aims to inspire young people in his area in the pursuit of conservation.

He hopes to eventually have a career in conservation ornithology and one day study his favourite bird family: raptors. 

Georgina, 23, Hertfordshire / Brighton

Georgina is a 23-year-old Biology graduate from the University of St. Andrews and has always had a passion for conservation. She is currently part of a graduate scheme focussing on Environment, Health and Safety. She developed a love for birding after watching her first bird ringing demonstration at the Knepp Estate. She is now a ringing trainee working towards achieving her C-permit and expanding her knowledge of birds.

As a BTO Youth Representative she aims to engage young individuals with wildlife and develop their appreciation for the natural world. She believes providing sources of inspiration for young people through activities such as bird ringing demonstrations and nature-oriented talks are extremely important as they can shape their futures.

Josh, 22, North Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire

Josh is currently studying for an MRes in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation at Nottingham Trent University. He spent much of his time as an undergraduate on placements including researching birds and reforestation in Brazil, monitoring rewilding in Italy and working as an Assistant Trainee Warden with the RSPB.

He is fascinated by wildlife, particularly birds and forests, and wants to share this passion with others to inspire future conservationists! As a Youth Rep he would like to spark interest in nature through creative media and show wildlife through a different lens!

Benjamin, 24, Shropshire

Benjamin is a Zoology with Animal Behaviour graduate from Bangor University who is passionate about birds and how interesting the species in this country are.

He's most interested in getting more people involved with nature by helping young people see the amazing creatures that live on their doorsteps - especially Eider which are his favourite bird!

Alice, 23, Essex

Alice is a 23 year-old wildlife conservationist and a keen birder.

As a teenager she regularly volunteered for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Wildlife Trust and later went on to read Zoology at University. Here, she began to volunteer for the BTO as a youth representative and as a bird ringer before attaining her ringing licence, which she used whilst working at bird observatories across Europe.

She particularly enjoys nest monitoring and has recently worked as an RSPB Senior Research Assistant studying lapwing in North Wales.

Socks, 20, Nottinghamshire

Socks is a 20-year-old student at the University of Nottingham, where they are studying Zoology. They have taken an interest in nature, particularly birds since age 2. Socks is a keen birder and falconer, completing their falconry qualification at age 13. They love to spend time outside in nature in their free time, birdwatching and photographing wildlife.

Birds may be Socks’ main passion, however they love all species and are excited to share this passion with more young people. They would like to connect with other young birders and organise trips where they can expand their skills.

They would also like to work towards making nature accessible to everyone and ensuring that everyone can experience the wonders of nature. You can follow Socks on Instagram.

Sian, 19, Shropshire / Cambridge

Sian is a 19-year-old birder from Shropshire who is a passionate photographer and budding conservationist.

She is also interested in other flora and fauna such as dragonflies and butterflies, especially on her local patch.

England - Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West and the North East

Hannah, 25, Greater Manchester / Dorset

Hannah first became a BTO Youth Rep 3 years ago at the University of South Wales, where she studied BSc(Hons) in Natural History, a combination of biology, ecology and wildlife photography and filmmaking. During her time at university, she started the USW Nature and Ornithology Society to engage as many students as possible in nature from all backgrounds.

Nature has the immense potential to help people appreciate the present moment and find respect for our environment, which has inspired Hannah's passion for outdoor adventure. She is now a mountain leader and working as an assistant ranger for the Wildlife Trust. She hopes to continue to engage young people in the mountains and in wildlife through the BTO. You can follow Hannah on Instagram.

Josh, 22, North Yorkshire / Nottinghamshire

Josh is currently studying for an MRes in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation at Nottingham Trent University. He spent much of his time as an undergraduate on placements including researching birds and reforestation in Brazil, monitoring rewilding in Italy and working as an Assistant Trainee Warden with the RSPB.

He is fascinated by wildlife, particularly birds and forests, and wants to share this passion with others to inspire future conservationists! As a Youth Rep he would like to spark interest in nature through creative media and show wildlife through a different lens!

Northern Ireland

Seamus, 16, Northern Ireland

Seamus is currently studying for his A levels at school in Belfast. He has been passionate about birds and wildlife ever since he could read, and he loves getting out to his local nature reserve to birdwatch. Outside of the natural world, he is a passionate cricketer and debater, and enjoys running in his spare time.

Seamus volunteers at a tree nursery every week, and also founded and currently runs a nature society in his school, which as a group built and now maintain a pollinator garden in the grounds. Through his role in the BTO he hopes to encourage young people like himself to build an appreciation for birds, wildlife and nature as a whole.

Niamh, 16, Northern Ireland

Niamh is a student from Northern Ireland. In her free time you can usually find her at a dog agility competition but if not she's most likely bird watching, bird ringing, checking her camera trap for interesting visitors or helping out on a rewilding project in Mayo.

Niamh is passionate about helping other young people get involved in nature. She looks forward to promoting more engagement in Northern Ireland! 

Scotland 

David, 22, Lothian

David is the Birding and Science Officer for the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, based in Lothian. He is a keen birder and most often found on his local patch looking for and recording birds and other wildlife.

He enjoys sharing his passion for the natural world with other young people and has organised a variety of BTO Youth events including bird walks, survey training, a boat trip and a conference.

Hannah, 19, Lothian

Hannah is 19 years old and has long had a passion for wildlife and birds. She volunteers with a children's wildlife club and loves taking part in RSPB and BTO surveys, as well as making feeders for the birds in her garden from recycled materials. She also enjoys getting muddy and going for rambles in the countryside.

Hannah is currently studying Zoology at the University of Edinburgh and is particularly interested in animal behaviour, especially in mammals and birds. An experience that inspired her was visiting the Farne Islands where she saw her favourite birds (puffins and baby pufflings!) nesting right up close!

As a Youth Representative, Hannah would like to help inspire the next generation of birders and conservationists and help to bridge the gap between city life and nature.

Iris, 20, Lothian / Bedfordshire

Iris is an undergraduate at Edinburgh University studying Chinese. She has always been interested in birds, a passion which feeds into her wider concerns about conservation and habitat protection.

Helping organise events for an environmental group at school made her realise the importance of engaging young people in issues related to this field. She hopes to be able to continue this through her role as Youth Representative for BTO in Lothian and Bedfordshire.

Wales

Jasmine, 22, Bangor

Jasmine (she/her) is a final-year Environmental Conservation student at Bangor University. She loves volunteering and getting stuck into hands-on activities, previously as a Young Wardens leader with Suffolk Wildlife Trust and currently as a Visitor Engagement volunteer at RSPB Conwy.

As well as being a Youth Rep, she has done some volunteer fieldwork for the BTO and has spent many hot summer days chasing Curlew round Norfolk with a radio antennae for a headstarting project.

She loves all aspects of nature and has a particular interest in spreading that love to as many people as possible, as well as raising awareness about becoming more sustainable. She's thrilled to be a part of the Youth Rep team and has had an amazing experience so far. If she was a bird she would be a teal as ducks always look so chilled out.

Ciera, 24, Caerphilly / West Glamorgan

Ciera is a masters student studying Biosciences at Swansea University following her Biology degree. She is a keen birder and passionate about getting people to spend time and enjoy nature, to appreciate what can be found just on your doorstep.

During her time at university, she was involved in the conservation and ecology society and played an important role as the student’s union environment officer, organising nature-based events for students to get involved in.

As a BTO Youth Representative she’s excited to inspire and bring together more young people to encourage a community of nature enthusiasts.

Isle of Man

Alex, 23, Isle of Man

Alex is a MSc by Research Ecology student at Lancaster University. After developing her focus on birds during her undergraduate studies, she spent the last year volunteering with several wildlife charities on the Isle of Man.

She is keen to get more young people interested in the wildlife on their doorstep on the Isle of Man, especially at the Calf of Man bird observatory. She hopes to encourage this through art and exploring the outdoors.

She is particularly interested in ducks and coastal waders, especially Curlew.

Young people are the future of BTO

With your help, we can do more to reach out to, connect with and support them.

Donate to the BTO Youth Appeal today

Get in touch with your local Youth Rep

We'd love to hear from you!

You can reach out to your local Youth Representative with questions and comments by emailing the BTO Youth team at youth [at] bto.org.

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