Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and making a real difference, or know someone who is?
Whether you’re speaking up for nature through campaigning, volunteering in your community, or using creativity to inspire change, we want to celebrate your efforts. Apply now for the Young Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award and join a network of like-minded young changemakers!
The ZSL Young Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award recognises and celebrates the many different ways in which young people connect with and help wildlife and the natural world. The award is open to people aged between 16 and 25 years for activities that benefit wildlife or raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
An information webinar for this award was held on 15th March. You can download the slides, including FAQs. If you would like a copy of the recording of this webinar, please get in touch.
Application Guidelines
There are two categories of the award:
Category One: Championing and Campaigning
- Campaigning or advocacy for wildlife conservation.
- Taking part in citizen science activities.
- Taking part in nature-based events with a local wildlife charity or group.
- Volunteering for a wildlife organisation.
- Participating in community groups that improve the natural world e.g. a community wildlife garden.
Category Two: Inspiring and Influencing
- Raising awareness and inspiring an appreciation for wildlife through a creative practice, such as poetry, art, film making, or literature.
- Advocating for nature through social media or online content creation.
Candidates must be between 16 and 25. If a candidate is under 18, parental/guardian consent must be given. Nominees must be residents of the UK. Nominations must be for activities carried out within the previous 12 months.
Anyone can submit a nomination, but the nominee’s consent must be given. Self-nomination is permitted. If you nominate more than one person, please use a separate form for each candidate. Up to three awards can be presented annually. This award is not open to ZSL staff, students or volunteers.
Prize
Winners receive a monetary prize of £500 and a certificate, and will be invited to celebrate with other winners at our Awards Celebration event in December. Winners and shortlisted candidates are invited to join ZSL’s network of young conservationists and will receive access to resources, events, mentoring and careers workshops.
Application process
If you are nominating someone else:
- Obtain consent from the nominee prior to nominating them
- If the nominee is under 18, please provide parental/guardian consent
- Complete this nomination form
- Submit either a written statement (maximum 400-words), photographs, or a short video (maximum 2-minutes) detailing why the nominee should be considered for the award.
If you are nominating yourself:
- Obtain parental/guardian consent if you are under 18
- Provide the names and email addresses for two people who are over 18 who can be contacted to support your nomination (for example, a teacher, colleague, family member or friend)
- Complete this nomination form
- Submit either a written statement (maximum 400-words), photographs, or a short video (maximum 2-minutes) detailing why you should be considered for this award.
The deadline for nominations is 1st September 2026.
How is the award assessed?
Entries are assessed by a panel of representatives from ZSL's Conservation Education team, members of the ZSL Youth Advisory Board and other subject experts from across ZSL. Entries will be evaluated based on the core values of ZSL’s Youth Advisory Board: collaborative, sustainable, reflective, respectful, equitable & inclusive.