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Jordan's Story: Taking Marine Conservation to the Top

Award-winning Jordan has not only been involved in carrying out his own marine mammal rescue, but also instrumental in raising awareness in his local area. He is the last in our series to celebrate #iwillweek to share his story.

16-year-old Jordan Havell won the Nature Ranger Award from Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust for his awareness raising of stranded cetaceans. After battling to save a porpoise on a beach near his home, he circulated a poster from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, giving vital information to people if they found themselves in a similar position. He also designed his own poster suitable for the Isle of Guernsey. Many coastal councils across the UK received these posters so they were aware who to call if they found a stranded mammal. He now volunteers with the SeaWatch Foundation to help with whale and dolphin watches and at Gibraltar Point as an information officer. He was recently invited to Downing Street.

Through campaigning and taking action for the environment, you really can make a difference.

‘I want to share my story with Our Bright Future as it shows that through campaigning and taking action for the environment, you really can make a difference. I recently had the honour of visiting 10 Downing Street. This was to meet with Sir John Randall MP, who is the Prime Minister’s environmental advisor. I was really excited as we approached the front door and were ushered inside. I was one of four young people chosen to attend as I was nominated by the Marine Conservation Society because of my marine work and stranded mammals campaign. We got to discuss these issues during our meeting and we were then lucky enough to have a tour of the building which was wonderful. I felt so lucky to have had such a rare opportunity and hope to stay in touch with Sir John Randall and the other young people I met on the day.’

Find out more about Our Bright Future and the #iwill campaign

Our Bright Future

Our Bright Future is an ambitious and innovative partnership led by The Wildlife Trusts, which brings together the youth and environmental sectors. This £33 million programme funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund is formed of 31 projects across the UK. Each project is helping young people aged 11-24 gain vital skills and experience, and improve their wellbeing. At the same time they act as catalysts for delivering change for their local environment and community; whilst contributing to a greener economy.

#iwill Campaign

#iwill is a UK-wide campaign that aims to make social action part of life for as many 10 to 20 year-olds as possible by the year 2020. Step Up To Serve is the charity that coordinates the collective effort of the #iwill campaign by connecting campaign partners, communicating the stories and impact of quality social action and challenging partners to do more.

Ultimately, #iwill want young people to have the chance to take part in meaningful social action – building a habit for life and further empowering them to be more active citizens today and in the future.

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