Ambassadors

Cel Spellman

The breadth of Cel’s talents is astounding. He has presented on BBC, BBC Radio 1, CBBC and starred in White Lines, World on Fire and Cold Feet – he’s a tour de force! He’s an ardent advocate for nature, wildlife and the need to address the climate crisis. 

Cel says: “I was over the moon when I was asked to be an ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts. It’s an absolute honour and privilege to work with the Trusts and such dedicated people to make a difference to the world that we live in, with a particular focus on all our beautiful, precious wild spaces and wildlife here in the UK. I believe that the strength of the Trusts is how attuned they are to what’s happening in our communities, what is needed and can convey that to decision makers, while also working tirelessly and crucially to protect, grow and nurture all our wild spaces we and the animals that call them home so desperately need. Not to mention they are all there for us to enjoy and protect too.”

David Oakes

Actor and podcaster, David Oakes, has graced our screens in fantastic period dramas from Victoria to The Borgias. When he’s not on set or treading the boards he’s out walking in a glorious wild place talking to experts about the natural world and celebrating it in his podcast, Trees A Crowd. David has been a dedicated supporter of The Wildlife Trusts interviewing stalwarts of the movement for the podcast and hosting our 30 Days Wild Quiz from his back garden.

David says: “I have had the great pleasure of speaking at length to some of the most knowledgeable naturalists, biologists, entomologists and inspirational figures from the environmental sector, and been struck by how they all have a special place in their hearts for The Wildlife Trusts. This chimes with my own experience of this fantastic collection of dedicated individuals. I’m humbled to have been asked and am really looking forward to raising awareness of the extraordinary work that the Trusts do to restore the natural world at a time when we need nature more than ever."

James McVey

Arguably the 'coolest' member of The Vamps, although we might be a bit biased, James has been an advocate for nature and climate for years. His passion is inspiring, and he has seen hundreds of his fans think about their impact on the natural world. 

James McVey says: "I'm often on tour, and wherever I go in the UK, it's fantastic to know that there are dedicated, passionate and skilled volunteers at local Trusts protecting and restoring our precious wild spaces. Their work is mindblowing, from conservation to land management, species reintroductions to lobby for protective status. I can't wait to get stuck in and meet some of the volunteers and members across the country."

Mya-Rose Craig

Environmentalist and birder, 20 year-old Mya-Rose first started writing articles for The Wildlife Trusts when she was just 13. Since then, she has written many thought-provoking pieces about nature and diversity in the conservation and environmental sector. Mya-Rose founded Black2Nature to encourage more children and young people from minority ethnic backgrounds to engage with the natural world and conservation. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Bristol in 2020.

Mya-Rose says: “The Wildlife Trusts have had a really positive influence on me as I've grown up. They have nurtured my love of all things wild and have encouraged me throughout. As an environmentalist and climate campaigner it’s rare for a charity to encompass all the areas that I love, but I think The Wildlife Trusts do exactly this. I’m really proud to have been asked to become an Ambassador and I can’t wait for us to make some real progress on the ecological and climate crises together."

Rhiane Fatinikun MBE

Rhiane is an award winning outdoors advocate and community organiser. She founded Black Girls Hike to challenge the stereotypes and lack of representation in the outdoors. Since then, BGH UK have gone from strength to strength, launching groups nationwide and running regular hikes, training days and outdoor activities. 

Rhiane is passionate about our natural world and social inclusion, on joining The Wildlife Trusts she said:

"I'm really excited to be joining The Wildlife Trusts as an Ambassador. People need nature and I know myself how spending even 5-10 minutes a day outside brings a calmness and inner peace, it’s an amazing reset! I'm a firm believer that nature is for everyone and I look forward to working to encourage more people of all backgrounds and abilities to get outdoors. I'm also aware that nature needs our help because we're losing precious wild spaces more than ever before. I love visiting my local reserves in Cheshire and I'm excited to see the work that The Wildlife Trusts are doing right across the UK bringing nature back on a landscape scale.”

Richard Walker OBE

The natural world needs allies from all sectors and Richard has been championing nature and the environment both personally and professionally for many years now. Richard knows the Wildlife Trusts well and is the Patron of Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Richard says: “I’m very passionate about protecting the natural world. My family and I spend as much time outdoors as we can, we’re lucky to have the countryside so easily accessible for us. I’m very proud to be an ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, the work that they do across the UK is awe-inspiring. It’s amazing that two-thirds of the population are within walking distance of a Wildlife Trust reserve, but often we don’t realise it. The innovative ways they get people to engage with the nature they have around them is incredible, I can’t wait to support more of this in the coming years.”