WILDLIFE ambassador Dr Mya-Rose Craig joined a group of children from her Black2Nature charity at Brandon Hill for a litter pick aimed at keeping animals safe from the “menace” of rubbish.
Dr Mya-Rose is a British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, author and campaigner, known as Bird Girl. She founded the charity ten years ago when she was just 13 with the aim of introducing Visible Minority Ethnic children to nature.
Now she has become an ambassador for the RSPCA.
She said: “At Black2Nature, for ten years now, we have been on a mission to get more young people to experience nature and learn about environmental issues, and the amazing wildlife that shares our world. Working with the RSPCA, I’m excited to help people from all backgrounds connect with nature, and understand how their actions can change animals’ lives for the better.”
Last year, the RSPCA took 2,199 reports about animals affected by litter – including 27 from the Bristol area.
The RSPCA fears the nation’s wildlife is “under threat” – and is encouraging people to know how they can play their part in helping wild animals, including if they come across sick or injured wildlife.
Geoff Edmond, lead wildlife officer at the RSPCA, added: “Wildlife is really under threat – with the litter menace just one of the many problems wild animals face.
“From collecting litter, to building wildlife-friendly corridors and spreading messages, there’s so much everyone can do for wild animals. It was a real pleasure to be out alongside the kids in Bristol – it’s a great reminder what we can achieve together for animal welfare.”
The event – in addition to the litter pick – also featured a series of activities organised by the RSPCA’s Prevention & Education team, including a photo scavenger hunt, wildlife talks and the construction of mini hotels for insects.
Educational resources, including for; teachers, parents and carers aimed at young people and children are available on the RSPCA’s education and learning hub.
The RSPCA’s head of VIP engagement, Sara Howlett, added: “Everyone at the RSPCA is absolutely over the moon to welcome Dr Mya-Rose on board as an Ambassador.
“Her story is so inspiring – not only her own work to protect birds, wildlife and nature; but how she is inspiring others to experience nature and learn about our natural world.”