Meet Ruby Stothard - David Streeter Wildlife Champion Award winner

Emma Chaplin
, 24 November 2024
Meet Ruby Stothard - David Streeter Wildlife Champion Award winner
Ruby Storthard © Sophia Pinheiro Vergara

We are delighted to announce that Ruby Stothard is the winner of the 2024 David Streeter Wildlife Champion Award 

Ruby with Sussex Wildlife Trust CEO Chris Corrigan
Ruby with Sussex Wildlife Trust CEO Chris Corrigan © Sarah Ward

Coastal Communities Officer Ella Garrud nominated Ruby for the following reasons: 

"Ruby has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to Sussex wildlife and environment through her work with the Wild Coast Sussex project, the Sussex Underwater initiative and her day job as a Forest and Beach School leader. She takes meaningful action for nature every day and is an exemplary candidate for this award.

During Wild Coast Sussex, Ruby delivered Wild Beach sessions, helped lead beach cleans, volunteered at community outreach events, and raised awareness of the Shark Trust mermaid’s purse citizen science project. She also created engaging communications that inspire action, raising awareness about Sussex marine life and the importance of marine conservation.

Ruby is currently an integral member of the Sussex Underwater team creating impactful videos that highlight local marine life, the Sussex Kelp Recovery Project (SKRP), and the citizen science Sussex Kelp Recording Scheme. Notably, her video on the Brighton Marina dredging consultation (link at end of blog) raised awareness about moving the disposal of polluted sediment away from the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone." 

Here's a short Q&A with Ruby:

What do you love about marine life in Sussex? 

The Sussex coast is amazing because it’s so varied, and has so many hidden gems. Rockpools in Bognor versus rockpools in Eastbourne are home to unique and diverse ecosystems. 

What do you do with Sussex Underwater? 

I am part of the Shore Team, making content about the marine life that lives or ends up on our beaches, as well as documenting any kelp that washes up. This information contributes to the SKRP’s records of kelp bed recovery across Sussex. I also speak at our Sussex Underwater talks. 

What do you like best about volunteering? 

Being in a lovely community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about protecting what’s precious to us.

How do you feel about winning the award?

I am so very grateful to receive this award. I’ve always had a deep connection to nature, and our Sussex wildlife is truly magical! It is amazing to be a part of protecting it, and inspiring others to learn about and love our environment too.

What do you plan to do with your £250 prize money?

It will go towards a new camera which I will use for wildlife photography, so I can capture and share even more amazing moments in nature! Something I have wanted to do for a long while 

Ruby’s Instagram

Brighton Marina dredge consultation video

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