WWT has appointed the award-winning nature writer and naturalist Dara McAnulty as their newest ambassador.
Dara, who grew up near WWT’s Castle Espie wetland centre in Northern Ireland, often visits the nature reserve and credits the close encounters with its wildlife for fostering his love of nature.
His debut book, Diary of a Young Naturalist, won the 2020 Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing, making him the youngest ever winner of a major UK literary prize.
As well as this he has published two children’s books and was the youngest recipient on King Charles III’s first New Year’s Honours List, being awarded a British Empire Medal for services to both nature and the autistic community.
Dara is a passionate campaigner for the natural world, a dedicated fundraiser and wildlife recorder. He divides his time between studying at the University of Cambridge and County Down, where he lives with his family.
Speaking about joining WWT as an ambassador Dara said:“I am overjoyed to have been invited by the WWT in joining their vision for the future of wetlands, by becoming an ambassador. Wetlands are some of the most biodiverse habitats in the world and we must continue to do all we can to protect them. WWT do such important work and I, as a student ecologist, conservationist and nature writer, want up to support them in any way I can. I grew up visiting WWT Castle Espie many, many times to see visiting Brent Geese and the reserve holds such a special place in my journey as a young naturalist. I also believe that storytelling as communication is vital in conservation; I look forward to supporting the work of WWT in imaginative and imaginative ways. I’m thoroughly delighted!”
Dara will join WWT’s impressive roster of wetland ambassadors including David Gray, Ollie Olanipekun and Nadeem Perera of Flock Together, Lucy Hodson (aka Lucy Lapwing) and Sir Mark Rylance.
Speaking about the appointment, Sarah Fowler, WWT Chief executive added: “Dara’s passion for nature in all shapes and sizes makes him an amazing advocate for wetlands, which support a staggering variety of species. We’re so happy to have him join WWT at a time when we are focused on building a movement of people taking action for wetlands and speaking with a bolder voice on the issues that matter most to our supporters and staff.”
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