David Oakes, new vice president of The Wildlife Trusts, says:  
“Our country is one of the most nature depleted on the planet; and yet perversely you don’t have to look far to find huge swathes of people who have a passion for wildlife. Ultimately, there is no better placed organisation than The Wildlife Trusts to unify a desire in Britain and our overseas territories to protect what we have - before it is too late. Where our governments fail, it is the duty of The Wildlife Trusts and its supporters to step up to save our unique and irreplaceable wild places. 

“Through the years I’ve been directly involved with The Wildlife Trusts I have loved seeing reintroduction and recovery ambitions become real — from bison reintroductions in Kent, to huge landscape recovery ambitions like at the Rothbury Estate. But representing the Trusts internationally, at the IUCN Congress, and more recently at IPBES was a standout: a powerful reminder of how vital it is that conservationists unite and lead, especially as political support for nature falters.” 

As the UK’s largest non-governmental marine conservation organisation, The Wildlife Trusts are also announcing Inka Cresswell as one of two new ambassadors. A marine biologist, wildlife filmmaker and ocean conservationist, Inka has worked on exciting projects worldwide, including Netflix’s Our Oceans ⁽¹⁾, blending science and storytelling to inspire conservation and empower a new generation of ocean advocates.  

Inka Cresswell, new ambassador of The Wildlife Trusts, says:  

“People often ask me how they can make a real difference for marine life, and the hands-on initiatives The Wildlife Trusts lead, especially during their annual National Marine Week, are a fantastic place to start - from snorkel trails, habitat restoration projects and other interactive experiences.  

“My own love for the oceans started right here in the UK, rock pooling along my local coastline. Those rock pools were my first window into the incredible life our oceans hold, and they sparked a curiosity that’s only grown stronger over the years. When The Wildlife Trusts reached out to collaborate, I was immediately excited by the incredible variety of coastal and ocean work they’re involved in and I’m looking forward to helping even more people to connect with the ocean, learn about marine conservation, and get involved in protecting our seas.” 

Louis VI, a music artist, zoologist, field recordist and wildlife presenter and documentary maker is also joining The Wildlife Trusts as an ambassador this spring. Founder of NATURE AIN'T A LUXURY, whose mission is to reconnect people to nature through sound, a combination of Louis' recent immersive exhibition of sonic journeys through rainforest ecosystems - including his paternal homeland of Dominica - his music, and recent TED Countdown talk ⁽²⁾, are used to explain that biodiverse sound and its effect on our own nervous system is key to saving both nature and ourselves. 

Louis VI, new ambassador of The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“I hope young people see me, a mixed-race guy, from a rough part of North London that's had all the experiences that they have had and yet is a massive nature geek - and see themselves. It doesn't have to be a massive step, but you need nature and it needs you. 

“I'm really excited about reframing what ‘nature’ is in the UK. That Nature Ain't A Luxury - the title of my film coming out with The Wildlife Trusts - but a necessity. I hope it awakens a sleeping herd of young people, particularly from lower economic backgrounds and diasporas, to reconnect to nature.”  

David, Inka and Louis VI join a cohort of other ambassadors all lending their voices to The Wildlife Trusts’ movement. In being involved with the Trusts, they help to inspire people across the UK to take action for nature wherever they live.

Find out more about our ambassadors