News / nature conservation
Young Bristol campaigner lands role as UK wildlife champion
An aspiring wildlife filmmaker has joined the youth panel of a national nature charity.
Leanna Fernandez, 25, is one of ten members of the new panel, an initiative of Butterfly Conservation that the charity hopes will inspire a new generation of environmentalists.
Fernandez has pursued her passion for nature, and moths in particular, with an MA in wildlife filmmaking at UWE Bristol. She now works for local wildlife production company Silverback Films.
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“Each animal plays its own ecological role, each equally worthy regardless of appearance, without which other dependent species cannot survive,” she said, explaining the value she sees these unassuming and often overlooked creatures.
Leanna Fernandez is passionate about moths and the wider environment, and an aspiring wildlife filmmaker
“This is one of the many reasons I joined the Youth Panel – to help show others why moths are so worthy of our protection, whilst ensuring Butterfly Conservation receives the public attention it deserves.”
The charity’s efforts to engage more young people with nature follows the results of their annual Big Butterfly Count which revealed its lowest ever numbers this year, leading to the charity declaring a UK-wide Butterfly Emergency in September.
With less than one per cent of Butterfly Conservation’s current supporters and volunteers under 25, the Youth Panel is on a mission to inspire and engage the next generation.
The ten panellists, from across the UK and ranging from 16 to 25 years old, will meet at least once a month to organise events for young people and representing young nature lovers at festival and demonstrations
“We are seeing the impacts of climate change at a scary rate right now, and we know that the next generation, today’s young people, will be hugely affected,” said Kate Merry of Butterfly Conservation.
“We’re thrilled to give young voices a platform in the world of conservation. Their passion for nature is inspiring, and we can’t wait to see the positive, fresh ideas they’ll bring to the table, not just for us but for the wider conservation community as well.”
Young nature lovers can sign up to the youth panel’s email newsletter at butterfly-conservation.org/youth-panel for updates. To contact the panel, email Matty Donaldson on mdonaldonaldson@butterfly-conservation.org.
All images: Felix Littlechild
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