Broadcaster and biologist, Liz Bonnin was elected as president of The Wildlife Trusts today. The first woman to take the role, Liz joins the movement of 46 Wildlife Trusts at a critical time for nature’s recovery in the UK. Liz will be championing The Wildlife Trusts’ new 30 by 30 vision to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030 with projects ranging from land acquisition to peatland restoration and species reintroduction.  

Liz is known for her powerful and ground-breaking documentaries including the sensational Drowning in Plastic, Galapagos, Wild Alaska and Blue Planet Live. Liz’s career has taken her around the world, studying animal behaviours and shining a spotlight on important environmental issues.

Gillian Burke, vice president
Biologist, Gillian Burke, is known to many as co-host on BBC’s Spring, Autumn and WinterWatch. Her engaging style, passion for science and love of the natural world have made her a firm favourite on the show.

Gillian says: “I’m extremely honoured to take up the role of vice president for The Wildlife Trusts.  I believe nature is a powerful healer and I am a huge supporter of nature-based solutions in facing the twin challenges of the climate and ecological emergencies.  I’m looking forward to playing my part in creating positive change for people and wildlife.”

Mya-Rose Craig, ambassador
Environmentalist and birder, 18 year-old Mya-Rose first started writing articles for The Wildlife Trusts when she was just 13. Since then, she has written many thought-provoking pieces about nature and diversity in the conservation and environmental sector. Mya-Rose founded Black2Nature to encourage more children and young people from minority ethnic backgrounds to engage with the natural world and conservation. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Bristol in 2020.

Mya-Rose says: “The Wildlife Trusts have had a really positive influence on me as I've grown up. They have nurtured my love of all things wild and have encouraged me throughout. As an environmentalist and climate campaigner it’s rare for a charity to encompass all the areas that I love, but I think The Wildlife Trusts do exactly this. I’m really proud to have been asked to become an Ambassador and I can’t wait for us to make some real progress on the ecological and climate crises together.”  

Cel Spellman, ambassador
The breadth of Cel’s talents is astounding. He has presented on BBC, BBC Radio 1, CBBC and starred in White Lines, World on Fire and Cold Feet – he’s a tour de force! He’s an ardent advocate for nature, wildlife and the need to address the climate crisis. 

Cel says: “I was over the moon when I was asked to be an ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts. It’s an absolute honour and privilege to work with the Trusts and such dedicated people to make a difference to the world that we live in, with a particular focus on all our beautiful, precious wild spaces and wildlife here in the UK. I believe that the strength of the Trusts is how attuned they are to what’s happening in our communities, what is needed to change things for the better, and how effective they are in conveying that to decision makers.”   

David Oakes
Actor and podcaster, David Oakes, has graced our screens in fantastic period dramas from Victoria to The Borgias. When he’s not on set or treading the boards he’s out walking in a glorious wild place talking to experts about the natural world and celebrating it in his podcast, Trees A Crowd. David has been a dedicated supporter of The Wildlife Trusts interviewing stalwarts of the movement for the podcast and hosting our 30 Days Wild Quiz from his back garden.

David says: “I have had the great pleasure of speaking at length to some of the most knowledgeable naturalists, biologists, entomologists and inspirational figures from the environmental sector, and been struck by how they all have a special place in their hearts for The Wildlife Trusts. This chimes with my own experience of this fantastic collection of dedicated individuals. I’m humbled to have been asked to be an Ambassador, and am really looking forward to raising awareness of the extraordinary work that the Trusts do to restore the natural world at a time when we need nature more than ever."

Dave Goulson, ambassador
Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex, Dave Goulson is the UK’s leading expert on insects with a focus on bumblebees. He worked on our Action for Insects campaign and is an accomplished author, shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize in 2013, and acclaimed for The Garden Jungle and A Sting in the Tale. In 2006, Dave founded the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to engage the public in taking action to save the species.

Dave says: “There’s no ignoring the science. I think this is the unofficial motto of The Wildlife Trusts, a charity after my own heart, which does so much to raise the profile of the smallest creatures on Planet Earth and the impact that their declines have on the web of life. It was an absolute joy to support their Action for Insects campaign and to share my lifelong passion. I’m delighted to become an Ambassador and support their vital work.”