The national awards recognise those whose dedication to wildlife management and conservation is helping to improve the health of the British countryside. The awards attracted more than 80 nominations across the UK, and were judged by a panel of leading conservation experts. The winners were presented at a ceremony in London on 3 November.
Tom was praised by judges for his “extensive knowledge, careful planning and practical skills,” which has helped transform sites in need of attention into thriving places for wildlife. Over the past three years, he has managed Bartley Heath and Hook Common Nature Reserve in North Hampshire, where he has restored rare heathland, grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, and helped local wildlife to recover.
Tom has also been instrumental in setting up the ‘Wilder Hook’ community group, which brings local people and landowners together to help look after the green spaces around them.
Tom said: “It’s an incredible honour to have won this national award - I still can’t quite believe it. To be recognised for something I love doing every day is truly special. Conservation is a team effort, and I’m so proud of what we’re achieving across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
In his current role as Senior Nature-Based Solutions Officer, Tom delivers major conservation projects across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, helping the Trust create and improve wild spaces on a larger scale. A former Sparsholt College student with a first-class degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, he combines scientific understanding with hands-on expertise. Outside the Trust, he has also worked on projects with organisations such as Natural England, Forestry England, the Ministry of Defence and local councils.
Tom’s journey to national recognition began with a surprise nomination from his former college, Sparsholt College, earlier this year. The unexpected recognition set in motion a process that would ultimately see him winning the Rising Star Award.
As part of the selection process, twenty-four finalists were shortlisted in six categories. Throughout the summer, a panel of judges - including GWCT ecologists and advisors, and external experts such as ‘Cheerful Charlie’ Ireland of Clarkson’s Farm and Jake Fiennes of Holkham Estate - visited the finalists, including Tom at Hook Common and Bartley Heath Nature Reserve to see conservation work in action, giving them an in-depth look at the habitats and species he has helped restore.
The Rising Star Award category shines a light on young individuals who are demonstrating an outstanding approach to conservation. The judges described Tom as “a fantastic example and role model for future generations of working conservationists – full of passion, knowledge and potential.”
John Durnell, Senior Director of Operations at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled for Tom. His enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to restoring nature shine through in everything he does. This award is so well deserved and shows the impact one dedicated person can have. Tom is a fantastic example of the next generation of conservationists.”
