Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Celebrates Outstanding Young Ambassador Following Prestigious Award Nomination

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Celebrates Outstanding Young Ambassador Following Prestigious Award Nomination

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is proud to celebrate the achievements of Young Ambassador Chris Bailey, who was recently nominated for a Young Countryside Champion Award at the BBC’s Food and Farming Awards.

Since joining the Trust as a volunteer in 2023, Chris has supported our work in a variety of ways through his role as a Young Ambassador. He has helped connect people with nature and inspire other young people to take action for wildlife through his social media presence and engagement within the local community. Chris has also supported the Trust’s events, encouraging people to spend more time outdoors, learn about local wildlife, and discover practical ways they can make a difference for nature.  While Chris may not have taken home the trophy on this occasion, his ongoing commitment to the Trust and his positive impact on wildlife and local communities across Wiltshire make him a true champion in the eyes of his colleagues. 

Born with a cleft palate, Chris has never let this hold back his passion for communicating about the wonders of nature. An exceptional wildlife photographer, he has built a highly engaging social media presence that inspires thousands to take a closer look at the wildlife and natural wonders on their doorstep. His creative skills have been invaluable to the Trust, particularly in sharing his tips and skills through content and helping to promote the Wiltshire Wildlife Photography prize. 

Alongside this, Chris is a highly active, hands-on presence across the Trust’s reserves. He has confidently led guided walks around Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve for both adults and families, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm. He was also a welcoming face at the Trust's flagship Country Comes to Town event, where he engaged with members of the public to help share the charity's vital work with the community. This year, Chris also took up the role of Cafe Assistant in our Dragonfly Cafe based at Lower Moor Farm, where he continues to inspire visitors, serving up advice on places to spot wildlife and giving species identification information alongside refreshments and cake.  

With a keen, longstanding interest in moths and butterflies, Chris has also dedicated a huge amount of time to helping the Trust conduct species surveys, directly contributing to the Trusts conservation efforts and helping the Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre maintain a comprehensive record of species. 
 

Chris Bailey
I have always been passionate about our natural world, particularly the local biodiversity that I have grown up with here in Wiltshire. Working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has further deepened my connection to nature and have provided me with the great privilege and opportunity to continue doing what I love. I’m looking forward to a future in ecology and conservation and continuing to educate and inspire others about the wonders of our natural world
Chris Bailey
Young Ambassador for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Chris’s enthusiasm for the natural world is infectious. He does an amazing job of inspiring the local community to step outside and notice the nature around them. We are so proud of his nomination, and incredibly grateful for the energy, talent, and dedication he brings to the Trust.
Becki McKinlay
Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

To learn more about the Young Countryside Champion Award visit the Food and Farming website here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2DhpxzqgJms4mwfNJ3wmmsY/the-bbc-food-farming-awards-2026-finalists.  

To find out more about volunteering opportunities with WIltshire Wildlife Trust visit the website here Volunteering with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust | Wiltshire Wildlife Trust