The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is thrilled to announce its new ambassadorial programme. The Trust hopes that its five new ambassadors – Hannah Russell, Marina Gibson, Jordan Rigby, Tom Wood and Tristan Phipps – will be able to reach a wider audience and share news and information about the GWCT’s unique role in delivering scientific research that directly influences government policy and promotes game and wildlife management as an essential part of nature conservation.
The new ambassadors provide an opportunity for the trust to reach a new and younger demographic and demonstrate to those unfamiliar with the GWCT the fantastic work it does to enhance the great British countryside, improve biodiversity and achieve nature recovery on a landscape-scale.
The new ambassadors - all key figures within the rural community - are:
Hannah Russell is a businesswoman and successful author, with 19 best-selling children’s books under her belt. Born in Yorkshire, she grew up immersed in a vibrant farming community and is from a family deeply rooted in agriculture. In recent years Hannah has found a love for fly fishing, clay shooting, and working her dogs over the shooting season.
Marina Gibson is a certified FFI (Fly Fishing International) casting instructor, guide, and passionate conservationist. In 2019, she founded The Northern Fishing School at Swinton Estate, North Yorkshire, which now teaches over 400 people annually. She also co-founded the Cancer and Pisces Trust, which aims to improve the lives of cancer sufferers through the therapeutic pastime of angling, fostering connections with nature and community. She is also passionate about preserving the wild Atlantic salmon in our rivers and is a great supporter of the work of the GWCT Fisheries team.
Jordan Rigby has a passion for preserving the natural world and the extraordinary wildlife that inhabits it. Growing up amidst the breathtaking beauty of Lancashire and the magnificent creatures on his family’s estate, he developed a deep-seated love for the countryside - a passion that has been cherished and nurtured across generations within his family. Fieldsports, particularly shooting, have long been integral to his life, and he has witnessed first-hand how good game management can play a significant role in wildlife conservation.
Tom Wood is a former England rugby international and Northampton Saints captain who has a love for conservation and the countryside. Tom regularly enjoys fishing, archery, stalking and shooting and is now a professional tree surgeon and woodworker. He also owns Waller & Wood, a wood working company with friend and fellow ex-professional rugby player Alex Waller.
Tristan Phipps has always had a burning passion for conservation, and his love of nature and the wilderness led him to pursue a career as a big game trails guide in South Africa, where he was born. Tristan joined the TV show Made in Chelsea seven years ago, and whilst on the show has spoken out about the importance of conservation. He has built up a strong online community of followers based on his passions for nature, travel and health and fitness. He now works closely with some of the world’s leading conservation charities, including TUSK and The Born Free Foundation, of which he is the ambassador for challenges. He has used his love of fitness to raise money for these charities by undertaking extreme challenges, including cycling the length of the UK on a static bike in one sitting during lockdown.
The GWCT is eager to collaborate with these passionate individuals to spread awareness and support for the Trust’s research and ongoing conservation efforts. The ambassadors will be introduced to the GWCT’s work and projects across the country, through visits to the Trust’s demonstration farms at Auchnerran in Scotland and the Allerton Project in Leicestershire, and to its wild Salmon and Trout Research Centre in Dorset. Holland & Holland has also offered its support to the scheme.
Hannah Russell says: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in this new role. I enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors throughout the year, especially during game season when I can be out with the dogs. I find it rewarding to expand my knowledge and share information with others about game and wildlife management, emphasising its importance for nature conservation.”
Jordan Rigby adds: “I am driven by a deep love for nature, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a dedication to preserving our environment for future generations. It is an honour to contribute to this vital mission.”
Stay tuned as these ambassadors help champion the GWCT’s cause and inspire future generations.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ more than 60 post-doctoral scientists and other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from government and private bodies.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk