About me
Naturalist
I've had a passion for the natural world since the age of eight, inspired by spending time in my grandparents garden and watching BBC Springwatch. Having grown up in Crawley, Sussex, I champion urban wildlife and creating space for nature in our towns and cities. I've been a trainee bird ringer with the BTO since 2015. I'm an avid birdwatcher, although my interest in nature is broad. For example most Autumns are spent obsessing over fungi. I was on council for Sussex Ornithological Society for six years, creating a youth grant scheme for young birders. I have a BSc in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation from Bournemouth University, for which I received a first-class honours.
Writer
I started writing a blog about my wildlife adventures, called Myathebirder (very original!) when I was just 12 years old. Writing allows me to express my connection with nature and encourage others to look more closely at the wonderful species we share the world with. I now write regularly for the Guardian's Country Diary, have written multiple articles for Birdwatching Magazine, and the RSPB's youth magazine, Wingbeat. In 2019, I spent 10 days in Colombia as a journalist writing about its astonishing birdlife for Birdwatching Magazine.
Presenter
I've filmed and presented over 50 short videos on a variety of wildlife topics which can be viewed on my YouTube channel. They have featured on Chris Packham and Megan McCubbin's 'Self-isolating Bird Club' and '8 out of 10 Bats.' Most notably I presented and interviewed a selection of guests including Gillian Burke and David Lindo for a project called '21 Wildlife Walks,' where I raised over £2800 for the British Trust for Ornithology in the run-up to my 21st birthday. I've featured on BBC South East, BBC South, BBC National News, ITV Meridian, and BBC radio stations across the UK. I now collaborate with talented young wildlife filmmaker, Amy King, to produce and present unique wildlife documentaries through our filming collective, 'Stonechat Films.' These include our short film 'Conservation: the next generation.' which you can view on my YouTube channel.
Communicator
One of my main goals has been to engage young people from different backgrounds with nature and be a role model for young women from working class backgrounds in the conservation space. I've been a youth representative for the British Trust for Ornithology since 2022, planning and running events for under 25s such as beginner bird walks, beach cleans, and talks. I began an internship at Sussex Wildlife Trust in 2023, developing youth engagement opportunities throughout the trust. This included setting up a youth-led nature reserve project in Brighton, called 'Deneway's Wild Future.' I share my wildlife adventures and enthusiasm for the natural world via my social media channels.