BTO Youth Representatives

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).

Youth Reps cover the whole of the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man. Browse their profiles below to find your local Youth Rep. You can reach out to us and your local Youth Rep with questions and comments by emailing the BTO Youth team at youth@bto.org. We'd love to hear from you!


Map of Youth Reps

England

London, the South West and the South East


Amira, 23, (she/her)

London (North) / Cornwall

Amira is a passionate naturalist, bird enthusiast, and a master's student in Biodiversity & Conservation at the University of Exeter in Cornwall. She hopes to spread her love for UK birds and wildlife to as many young people as possible!

For Amira, nature isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. She enjoys helping others form meaningful connections with the natural world, inspiring them to act for its protection and restoration. As a BTO Youth Rep, she would like to help create an inclusive community of young birders and conservationists, and offer opportunities for skill-building, learning, and collaboration.


Ashvi, 25, (she/her)

Merseyside / London (North)

Ashvi is currently studying Zoology at the University of Liverpool. Her fascination with nature began with wildlife photography and nature documentaries, sparking awe for the diversity and intricacies of life on our planet.

She spent the last year studying in Australia, where she was immersed in entirely different ecosystems and encountered remarkable wildlife. Returning to England, Ashvi is eager to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with the wonders of nature that surround us—even in the heart of our cities. She is particularly fascinated by the ingenious ways wildlife is adapting to urban environments.

In addition to her love of birds, Ashvi is passionate about bats and volunteers with the Bat Conservation Trust. She also loves dancing and would love to find creative ways to engage people with nature.


Eleanor (Nel), 19, (she/her)

Oxfordshire (South) / Exeter

Eleanor has always loved the outdoors and being lucky enough to live near the coast in Devon, spent her childhood hiking by the sea, a sight she misses when away at uni! Since beginning a biology degree last year, she has developed a passion for science communication with the goal of inspiring others to show kindness towards the planet.

In more recent years, Eleanor became fascinated by the woodland birds and their calls, learning more and more about their lives both in rural and urban locations. She hopes to help others feel a similar sense of understanding and awareness of the wild world around them!


Ethan, 17, (he/him)

Bristol (South East)

Ethan is an amateur wildlife photographer with a huge passion for all nature, especially Butterflies and Birds! He is happiest outside in a midsummer meadow or a calm river, spending as much time as possible outside in local woodlands and nature reserves. He has always had a passion for nature and wants to do anything he can to protect it!

He is currently studying Biology, Geography and Photography A-levels in Bristol with the hopes of going into the field of wildlife conservation and protection.

In his role as a youth representative, he hopes to bring more people into contact with the natural world and show them the incredible life, no matter how small, that can be seen on their doorsteps!


Georgina, Youth Representative

Georgina, 24, (she/her)

Hertfordshire / Sussex (East)

Georgina is a  24-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.


Humphrey, Youth Representative

Humphrey, 24, (he/him)

London (South)

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!


Jose, Youth Representative

Jose, 18, (he/him)

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 soon starting A-Levels which include Biology and Geography. 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.


Mya, Youth Representative

Mya, 23, (she/her)

Dorset / Sussex (West)

Mya is a 23-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.


Ramandeep, 21, (she/her)

Reading / Birmingham and West Midlands

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'.


Raul, 23, (he/him)

London (North)

Raul is a passionate conservationist with a BSc in Zoology and an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Nature Recovery. With over 15 years of hands-on conservation experience, he has been actively involved in bird ringing projects, local and national conservation groups/projects, and wider community engagement initiatives. His dedication to wildlife has shaped his journey, and he is now excited to step into the role of BTO Youth Representative.

During his time as part of BTO Youth, Raul aims to strengthen young people’s connection to nature by creating opportunities for direct engagement with wildlife, while ensuring their voices are amplified and valued in conservation spaces. Inspired by learning at a recent wildlife careers conference that conservation is the second least diverse field, he is committed to championing diversity and inclusion, promoting accessibility, and encouraging representation across conservation communities.

By encouraging skill development through workshops, volunteering, and mentoring, he seeks to empower young people with the confidence and practical experience needed to thrive in conservation. Ultimately, Raul believes that conservation is not only about protecting species and habitats but also about nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and empowered community of people who care for the natural world.


Zak, 20, (he/him; they/them)

London (South)

Zak has always had an interest in nature, but found his true passion in engaging with other people through wildlife.

He currently works with the London Wildlife Trust, and runs his Instagram page (@zakarillion if you are interested!) in hopes of inspiring people to interact with the wild world in their own way, and looks forward to working with young people as a BTO Youth Rep.


East and West Midlands and East Anglia (including Essex)


Aleksandra (Sandra), 17, (she/her)

Shropshire

Sandra is a dedicated STEM A-level student with a lifelong passion for nature, birds, and the outdoors. From an early age, she has been fascinated by herons, spending time observing them in local parks and developing a strong appreciation for their behaviour and habitats. She continues to nurture this interest through regular hiking and birdwatching, using time outdoors to deepen her understanding of wildlife. 

Alongside her studies, Sandra volunteers as a Young Leader in the Girls’ Brigade, where she enjoys mentoring younger members and supporting their personal development. As a BTO Youth Representative, Sandra is eager to support youth engagement, encourage curiosity, and help foster a community of young birders who feel empowered to protect and value wildlife. She believes that early exposure to nature is vital in shaping long-term care for wildlife and the environment.


Alice, 24, (she/her)

Essex (South)

Alice is a 24 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.


Benjamin, Youth Representative

Benjamin, 25, (he/him)

Shropshire

Benjamin works as a youth engagement officer and is passionate about connecting people with the birds and nature on their doorstep. Having previously been a youth rep in North Wales and back home in Northern Ireland, he recently made the move to Shropshire to work with Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Despite now living far from the sea, his favourite bird is still the eider!


Curtis, Youth Representative

Curtis, 23, (he/him)

Derbyshire (North) / Nottinghamshire

Curtis is a 23-year-old birder and nature lover from Nottingham. He has always loved animals, but began his first year list in 2021 (Thanks to his grandads help) and has never looked back! In 2024, he graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Politics and International Relational Relations where he wrote his dissertation on ‘The Impact of Responsibility and Blame on Effective Climate Change Policymaking’.

Curtis is passionate about sharing the beauty and power of nature through photography and educational walks and content. He is also a support worker, so is motivated to help make birdwatching more accessible and inclusive. He particularly enjoys dawn chorus walks as they offer a tranquil immersion into nature and are a great opportunity to develop various identification skills. He hopes to help others get closer to nature and discover the amazing benefits of embracing birds and wildlife.


Damaris, 25, (she/her)

Hertfordshire

Damaris is a 24-year-old Environmental Science student at the Open University with a deep love for birds and the natural world. Her passion for nature began as a child while watching David Attenborough documentaries, but it wasn’t until three years ago, during a visit to a local nature reserve, that she truly discovered the joy of birding.

As a strong advocate for the connection between nature and wellbeing, Damaris is passionate about highlighting the importance of spending time outdoors for mental health. She believes that everyone should feel safe and at home in nature and hopes to inspire other young people to appreciate and care for the planet. Beyond birding, she enjoys reading, collecting rocks, and pressing flowers and leaves in her free time.


Elizabeth, Youth Representative

Elizabeth, 25, (she/her)

Suffolk

Elizabeth is currently the BTO's Biological Data Manager, so at work mostly mingles with her fellow data nerds. She has a beginner's interest in mycology, and in a previous life spent most of her time chasing feral pigeons around Oxford.

As a Youth Representative, Elizabeth hopes to share different ways to get involved with or pursue a career in the conservation sector.


Georgina, Youth Representative

Georgina, 24, (she/her)

Hertfordshire / Sussex (East)

Georgina is a 24-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.


Harriet, 17, (she/they)

Rutland

Harriet is a 17 year old A-level student. She is fortunate to live close to Rutland Water, where watching Ospreys ignited her passion for birds. One of her ambitions is to see Osprey in other parts of the world. She is also hoping to study conservation at university.

Harriet has been interested in all aspects of nature from a young age and has found that being outdoors can help with her neurodivergence. She would love to use her role as a BTO Youth Representative to show people that nature is for everyone, no matter their abilities or situation.

Harriet also has a keen interest in myrmecology (the study of ants) and is enjoying learning about ant behaviours and societal structures.


Iris, Youth Representative

Iris, 21, (she/her)

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.


Katie, 20, (she/her)

Fife and Kinross / Shropshire

Katie is an Ecology student at St Andrews University where she was first introduced to bird watching by some really inspiring people. She loves being outside and championing UK nature. At the moment, she is a lead volunteer for the Rock Pool Project where she loves introducing the community to the amazing species found around our coasts. She’s also volunteering with the St Andrews Botanic Garden and the Sediment Ecology Research Lab.


Lauren, 20, (she/her)

Suffolk

Lauren is a 20-year-old birder from Suffolk with a passion for wildlife, who is currently doing a Horticultural apprenticeship with the National Trust. Since she was very young she can remember having a love for the outdoors, but her birding obsession really began in lockdown, when she had the time to learn birdsong and get out in nature with less disruption.

She loves going to local nature reserves to birdwatch when she can, and is soon to become a trainee ringer in her spare time, inspired by the ringing demonstrations that she watched during a rewilding course at the Knepp Estate. She also enjoys photography, and is keen to improve her skills and learn how to do wildlife photography properly whilst being a Youth Representative.

Through this role, she hopes to meet plenty of like-minded young people who can share her passion for birds and wildlife, as well as encouraging more young people to get out in nature and appreciate the incredible birdlife we have in the UK!


Ramandeep, Youth Representative

Ramandeep, 21, (she/her)

Reading / Birmingham and West Midlands

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'.


Rhys, Youth Representative

Rhys, 19, (he/him)

Bangor / Essex (Northwest)

Rhys has always had a great passion for wildlife and hopes to use this in his position as the Youth Representative for Essex and now Bangor. 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.


Ruby, 18, (she/her)

Suffolk

Ruby is an 18-year-old nature and bird lover, who is currently in her second year at Easton College studying Land and Wildlife management. She is developing hands-on conservation skills by volunteering at her local RSPB reserve and becoming a trainee bird ringer.

With a strong interest in the natural world, she is keen to learn how practical conservation, monitoring and education can help protect it for the future. Outside of fieldwork, she expresses her passion through art, wildlife photography and hiking/camping. She is determined to use her working career as a platform to make positive changes and contribute to the protection of nature, as well as teaching people how to work with nature, rather than against it.

As a youth rep, Ruby is keen to learn more about ornithology while representing, supporting and engaging young people who also share an interest in birds and conservation. You can follow her on Instagram @wildwithruby


Saffron, 21, (she/her)

Bangor / Staffordshire

Saffron is a 21-year old student at Bangor University, pursuing a Research Master's on Barn Owls as bioindicators of the environment. She is passionate about birdwatching which started with the Bangor University Birdwatching Society, to which she now runs. She loves birds so she always tries to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy birds/nature and try to create events and opportunities that cater to everyone.

However, she doesn't just stop at birds. She loves all kinds of wildlife from birds to insects and you can often find her rock pooling under the Menai Bridge.


Shan, 24, (he/him)

Essex (South)

Shan is a 23-year-old marine biology graduate from the University of Southampton who is passionate about wildlife conservation. His journey into birding began uniquely—through playing the board game Wingspan. This game sparked his fascination with the diversity and beauty of birds.

Recently, he has dedicated himself to regular birding outings, refining his bird identification and observation skills and developing a deeper appreciation for the hobby. He actively volunteers for projects such as the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) which is crucial for monitoring the health of the UK’s wetland ecosystems by tracking bird populations. Recently, he has also embraced wildlife photography, sharing his work on Instagram (@naturewithshan), further cultivating his connection and others with nature.

As a BTO Youth Representative, he is dedicated to inspiring all young people to connect with nature. He believes that engaging activities such as guided walks, educational talks, and hands-on workshops can ignite a passion for conservation for the next generation to actively protect and celebrate the rich biodiversity of our outdoor spaces.


Socks, Youth Representative

Socks, 21, (he/they)

Nottinghamshire

Socks is a 21-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.


Tolu, Youth Representative

Tolu, 19, (she/her)

Leicestershire and Rutland

Tolu is a 19-year-old student from Leicestershire with a passion for nature and conservation. She also enjoys encouraging other young people to engage with nature in whichever ways they find most accessible. Getting involved with nature can have a really positive impact on people's mental health and help us to coexist with our environment.


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


Ashvi YR, Youth Representative

Ashvi, 25, (she/her)

Merseyside / London (North)

Ashvi is currently studying Zoology at the University of Liverpool. Her fascination with nature began with wildlife photography and nature documentaries, sparking awe for the diversity and intricacies of life on our planet.

She spent the last year studying in Australia, where she was immersed in entirely different ecosystems and encountered remarkable wildlife. Returning to England, Ashvi is eager to inspire people from all backgrounds to connect with the wonders of nature that surround us—even in the heart of our cities. She is particularly fascinated by the ingenious ways wildlife is adapting to urban environments.

In addition to her love of birds, Ashvi is passionate about bats and volunteers with the Bat Conservation Trust. She also loves dancing and would love to find creative ways to engage people with nature.


Eddee, 23, (she/her)

Manchester

Eddee is a recent environmental management graduate from the University of Manchester and took up birding as a complementary hobby in 2022.

As a Youth Representative she aims to create an inclusive space where young people can develop skills in bird identification, and an appreciation for the natural world. She also champions nature positivity and advocates for a solutions-oriented, optimistic approach towards conserving and enhancing biodiversity!


Josh, 24, (he/him)

Yorkshire (Central)

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!


Priya, 21, (she/they)

Merseyside

Priya has had an immense passion for birding since she was 9 years old, but has since levelled up her skills by graduating in zoology, creating wildlife photography and nature journaling. She is most passionate about bringing all backgrounds of nature lovers together, and sharing community, knowledge and skills.

You can usually find her out walking her dog & participating in citizen science, or staring up trees with her camera!

Originally from Stratford-Upon-Avon but now residing in Merseyside, She now hopes to provide community, education and solace for young naturalists, as well as nurturing their artistic sides!

Scotland

David, 23, (he/him)

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, 20, (she/her)

Lothian

Hannah is 20 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 would love to study zoology and conservation when she is older 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, Youth Representative

Iris, 21, (she/her)

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.


Joe, Youth Representative

Joe, 17, (he/him)

Kincardine and Deeside

Joe is an Aberdeenshire ringer and nest finder with a particular interest in raptors and waders. Having held a ringing licence since he turned 16, he enjoys learning more about birds from time spent in the field. Joe is a keen nest finder, and enjoys the challenge and deeper understanding gained from trying to find nests! He is also interested in other parts of the ecosystem, especially wasps and damselflies. When he is not revising for his highers, Joe can be found somewhere in a bog, hill or wood locally.

As a Youth Representative, Joe would like to help others develop their interest in the natural world further, and encourage other young people to get involved and hands-on with their local conservation and research projects.


Katie, 20, (she/her)

Fife & Kinross / Shropshire

Katie is an Ecology student at St Andrews University where she was first introduced to bird watching by some really inspiring people. She loves being outside and championing UK nature. At the moment, she is a lead volunteer for the Rock Pool Project where she loves introducing the community to the amazing species found around our coasts. She’s also volunteering with the St Andrews Botanic Garden and the Sediment Ecology Research Lab.

Wales / Cymru

Ciera, Youth Representative

Ciera, 25, (she/her)

Caerphilly / Glamorgan (South)

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.


Liliana, Youth Representative

Liliana, 24, (she/her)

Pembrokeshire / Glamorgan (South)

Liliana is a self-proclaimed nature nerd, with her love of natural world driving her desire to protect the environment through personal action, community engagement and science. Alongside studying a Masters of Research at Cardiff University, she is heavily invovled in the university’s ornithological and wildlife societies, a volunteer with her local Wildlife Trust, and is always sharing her passion for nature with as many people as possible!

She is motivated by wanting to increase peoples access to nature, so everyone can learn to love and care for our environment and become empowered to protect it. As a BTO Youth Rep, Liliana is hoping to engage young people from across Wales with nature and conservation and encourage the next generation of birders, and nature nerds, to take action for our planet.


Rhys, 19, (he/him)

Bangor / Essex (Northwest)

Rhys has always had a great passion for wildlife and hopes to use this in his position as the Youth Representative for Essex and now Bangor. 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.


Saffron, 21, (she/her)

Bangor / Staffordshire

Saffron is a 21-year old student at Bangor University, pursuing a Research Master's on Barn Owls as bioindicators of the environment. She is passionate about birdwatching which started with the Bangor University Birdwatching Society, to which she now runs. She loves birds so she always tries to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy birds/nature and try to create events and opportunities that cater to everyone.

However, she doesn't just stop at birds. She loves all kinds of wildlife from birds to insects and you can often find her rock pooling under the Menai Bridge.

Isle of Man

Alex, Youth Representative

Alex, 24, (she/her)

Lonan (East)

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.

Northern Ireland

Patrick, 24, (he/him)

County Derry / Londonderry 

Patrick is a final year Environmental Science student at Ulster University in Coleraine. In the third year of his degree, he did a yearlong work placement with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) at their Castle Espie nature reserve.

Patrick is a passionate citizen scientist and has been involved with the BTO for four years as a voluntary surveyor for the Northern Ireland Heronries Census. He has also taken part in the Wetland Bird Survey, the Winter Gull Survey, the Geese and Swan Monitoring Programme, the Breeding Woodcock Survey and can’t wait to get started with the new Birds in Green Spaces project! His love for birds and nature developed from going for walks along his local river and seeing the amazing hunting technique of the Dipper which became and still remains his favourite bird.

He firmly believes that the more people know about wildlife then the more likely they are to protect it and that birds can be fantastic ambassadors for the habitats and ecosystems they depend on. 


Niamh, 17, (she/her)

Armagh

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! 


Seamus, 17, (he/him)

Antrim / Belfast

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.

Contact your local Youth Representative

You can reach out to your local Youth Representative by emailing the BTO Youth team at youth@bto.org. We'd love to hear from you!