The RSPCA has unveiled British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, author and campaigner Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a new Ambassador – at a special event in Bristol, which saw a team of Visible Minority Ethnic children come together to protect the city’s wildlife from litter.
Fourteen children, aged between 8 and 14, from the Black2Nature charity were at Brandon Hill in Bristol yesterday (20 August) for a litter pick aimed at improving the local environment and keeping animals safe from the “menace” of rubbish.
They took part alongside teams from the RSPCA, in a great example of what organisations can achieve “together for animal welfare”.
Dr Mya-Rose founded Black2Nature when she was only 13 years of age.
Her charity – which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year – aims to introduce Visible Minority Ethnic children to nature; bettering their physical and mental health, improving educational attainment and inspiring them about the environment.
Presently, ethnic minorities reportedly have – on average – 11 times less access to greenspace than others in society; and encouraging people from all backgrounds to understand more about wildlife, nature and how they can get involved is set to be a significant part of her new Ambassador role with the RSPCA.
New RSPCA Ambassador Dr Mya-Rose said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be working with the RSPCA. There’s so much to do to protect and preserve our beautiful country’s amazing wildlife.
“As an ambassador, I hope to use my platform to encourage more people to get involved and discover the often simple, yet impactful, ways we can all help animals and nature in our own communities.
“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.”
The teams collected litter – in a bid to improve the local environment, and protect animals from hazards.
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.
“Sadly, our rescuers deal with so many avoidable incidents every year where animals have been impacted by litter. But people power can change all that.
“That’s why events like this are so important – inspiring the next generation to get outdoors, get stuck in, and do their bit for wildlife.
“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 – including practical activities for kids to enjoy this summer.
Hayley Worsfold, Senior Prevention Operations Manager at the RSPCA, added: “It’s always amazing at events like this to see children and young people connecting with wild animals and the world around them.
“The summer holidays are a great time for people of all ages to get outdoors and build compassionate connections with every kind of animal.
“Dr Mya-Rose’s connection to wildlife and nature started at a really young age, and the results speak for themselves.
“Our education site is a great resource for activities, and a real conversation starter. Sometimes it is the most straightforward everyday moments, like spotting wildlife or talking about how an animal feels; that can really encourage all of us to think about how we shape a kinder future for animals.”
At the event, Dr Mya-Rose was also unveiled as the RSPCA’s newest Ambassador.
It follows increased collaboration between Dr Mya-Rose and the 201-year old animal welfare charity.
Dr Mya-Rose now joins other “animal welfare royalty” in becoming an RSPCA Ambassador, including celebrities Shirley Ballas, Pete Wicks, Kate Lawler and Matt Johnson.
She recently appeared as a guest on the RSPCA’s Animal Futures podcast to discuss her love of birdwatching, access to nature and wildlife; and also supported the charity with the promotion of its Animal Kindness Index – including urging nature lovers to build their own animal rescue kit.
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.
“She joins a great team of VIP ambassadors – including Shirley Ballas, Pete Wicks, Kate Lawler and Matt Johnson. They all give up so much time, and are dedicated to creating a better world for every animal. They truly are animal welfare royalty.
“We can’t wait to work even more closely with Mya-Rose to keep inspiring children and young people from all backgrounds to access nature, reap the benefits, and do their bit to make this a kinder and more compassionate nation for every kind of animal.”
Mya-Rose, who graduated from Cambridge University in 2024 having studied Human Social and Political Sciences has now returned to Bristol, where she supports Black2Nature.
More information on the work of the RSPCA to protect wildlife can be found on the charity’s website.
