Youth Panel

Maria

Solway Coast

Hi I'm Maria and I'm from Dumfries and Galloway. I have always enjoyed exploring my local environment and Identifying the wildlife around me. Whilst studying Environmental Science at Stirling University I also wish to inspire people to connect with nature and enjoy wildlife just as I do. The SotE Youth Group has allowed me the opportunity to explore new ways to connect with the environment and to become part of a larger environmental community. 

Christine

Shetland

Hi, I'm Christine and I am one of the Shetland Youth panellists. I'm 23 and I graduated university last summer with a degree in Ecology and Conservation. I have worked with RSPB Shetland and continue to help them out as a volunteer.  The youth panel is a great way to meet others around my age who are also passionate about nature. I am kept in the loop about the amazing work going on around the country to protect our species plus I get to stay connected and involved with local opportunities! 

Adam R

Argyll & Inner Hebrides

Hi there! My name is Adam and I’m a Wildlife and Conservation Management Student at SRUC, where I am studying for my HND. In my spare time, I’m a keen backpacker, climber, cyclist, and of course, a big nature head. Having a love of the natural world, it is my ambition to do my best for it so that I may continue to enjoy hiking, climbing and camping my way through it!

Katie

East Coast

I have wrestled (and still do) with anxiety over the climate and biodiversity crises. It can be so overwhelming, but there is always going to be nature. Being in nature is both a literal and metaphorical breath of fresh air—a constant presence that has helped me through tough times, and living in Scotland with so many incredible landscapes close by has only furthered my appreciation for it. As a student at University, it is important to find an outlet to channel frustration and hope and connect with likeminded people, and that's exactly why I joined the Species on the Edge Youth Panel.

Adam F

Shetland

I tend to describe myself as an amateur botanist. For as long as I can remember I have had an interest in the natural world but this interest was never properly explored till 2021 when I discovered the app iNaturalist. This quickly got me into recording and soon enough I reached out and was in communication with folks from the Shetland Amenity Trust and various local experts. It was those series of events which lead to my employment doing peatland restoration work. I now plant ID Shetland records on iNaturalist as well as recording in the right season. I discovered and promptly joined the youth panel as I saw it as an opportunity to inform, teach and learn more about the small corner I live in as well as learning more about people's engagement. The modern generations are increasingly falling out of touch with nature- the youth panel is a great way to learn more about how to get back in touch and/or enforce these connections.

Emily

East Coast

Hi, I'm Emily. I'm in my 6th year of secondary school and I decided to apply for the Species on The Edge youth panel after my biology teacher informed me of the opportunity. It felt like an excellent chance to speak with experts and like-minded people about conservation. I enjoy the monthly meetings, where I can learn about the latest conservation efforts in Scotland and how I can make a difference in my local community.

Charlie

Argyll & Inner Hebrides

Hi, I am Charlie, youth panelist on the Isle of Mull. I graduated from college in 2023 having completed a HND in Wildlife Management and Conservation and now work for Forestry and Land Scotland as an Environment Ranger. My favourite thing about nature is just getting to sit and be still and waiting for all the magic to be revealed to me. When I’m not searching for pine marten or climbing osprey nests for work I can be found swimming in the rivers, singing with the Gaelic choir, foraging or knitting. I joined the youth panel as I want others to be as enthusiastic about nature as I am!

Angus

Outer Hebrides

Hey, I’m Angus and I am one of the youth panellists representing the Outer Hebrides. I studied at Scotland's Rural College for a degree in Environmental Management and have since worked across several roles in ecology and conservation, within both the private and third sector. I am really passionate about the conservation of our edge species, and have a particular soft spot for our bats and seabirds. It is really important to me that the day-to-day work I do contributes to protecting and enhancing our local biodiversity, and combating the effects of the climate crisis. Along with my fellow youth panellists, I hope we can use our platform to reach other young nature and climate activists, and inspire them to be their local community's voice for change.