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've been on council for Sussex Ornithological Society since 2019. I currently study ecology and wildlife conservation at Bournemouth University.
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.
Aspiring 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, ITV Meridian, and BBC radio stations across the UK. My dream job is to be a wildlife TV presenter.
Engager
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.