Lorna, 23, has been recognised among the UK’s emerging leaders for the impact she is already making early in her career. She was selected from dozens of nominees nationwide, with the category celebrating those who are helping to shape the future of the sector.
Published annually by ENDS Report, a leading publication covering environmental policy, business and sustainability, the Power List celebrates individuals who have driven meaningful environmental change over the past two years.
Lorna’s inclusion reflects her growing influence in championing stronger protections for nature, particularly her work to raise the profile of England’s chalk streams and rivers – some of the rarest habitats in the world, many of which flow through Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Through her policy work and advocacy, Lorna has helped strengthen recognition of their importance and the urgent need to address the pressures facing these rivers and streams to secure their future. She has played a key role in influencing local authorities to introduce stronger protections for these vulnerable habitats, helping ensure chalk streams are better reflected in planning policy and decision-making across the region.
Lorna Selby said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside so many people working to protect our environment. There’s still so much to do, but it shows how much impact collective action can have.
“The biggest environmental issue I'm trying to solve is the pollution of our chalk streams. These are some of the rarest rivers in the world and we're so lucky to have so many of them in the south of England. Water security is going to be one of the biggest issues of our generation. And I'm really keen to solve that and ensure that supplies are sustainable.”
Lorna’s work sits at the heart of the Trust’s mission to restore nature across land and water, working with partners, communities and decision-makers to secure lasting change for wildlife and people. By influencing environmental policy and amplifying the importance of nature-based solutions, Lorna is part of a new generation helping to shape a more sustainable future.
Hannah Terrey, Director of Advocacy and Engagement at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “Lorna’s recognition is so well deserved, and I am incredibly proud of her. She brings both passion and determination to everything she does, and her commitment to protecting our chalk streams is truly inspiring. These rivers are part of our natural heritage, and the way Lorna speaks up for them – with clarity, urgency and real conviction – makes a genuine difference.
“What makes this even more special is seeing someone so early in their career already having such a powerful impact. Lorna represents the future: thoughtful, driven and unafraid to tackle some of the most complex environmental challenges we face. It’s a joy to see her work recognised on a national stage.”
Further recognition also goes to former Trust colleague Philip Box, now Senior Policy Officer at Wildlife and Countryside Link, who has also been named a Rising Star in this year’s Power List. Philip previously worked as Policy Manager at the Trust, demonstrating the charity’s wider contribution to developing influential voices shaping the future of the environmental sector.
Lorna’s recognition follows the inclusion of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Debbie Tann MBE in the ENDS Report Power List 2025. Debbie she was named in the Campaigner category and recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 environmental professionals for her leadership on nutrient neutrality and her role in shaping forward-thinking approaches to sustainable development.
Lorna continues to build on this strong track record of leadership within the Trust and reflects the charity’s continued role in driving forward ambitious, evidence-led action to tackle the nature and climate crisis at both a local and national level.
