Thank you!

We are extremely grateful for our three dedicated and knowledgeable Patrons who supported this project

Professor John Altringham

Emeritus Prof. Animal Ecology & Conservation, University of Leeds
Ecology and Conservation Advisor for Conservation First

John has over 35 years of research experience, and has studied bats and bat conservation for most of them. He has published over 150 scientific papers and technical reports, and three books on bats. He has sat on a number of advisory panels of the Bat Conservation Trust. He advises Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, the National Trust, county wildlife trusts and others on bat conservation issues and has run training workshops for several of these organisations. He regularly serves as an expert witness on planning issues and has advised European as well as UK organisations on bat conservation.

“With two seasons of Wild Watch survey data to work with, we are producing beautiful and revealing maps of Nidderdale’s wildlife, detailing its ecology and unravelling its habitat needs. Sign up for the 2019 season and help us to understand and protect our precious wildlife.” – Professor John Altringham

Lindsey Chapman

Lindsey is an experienced TV and Radio presenter. She presents Springwatch Unsprung with Chris Packham on BBC Two, Springtime on the Farm for Channel 5 and BBC One’s Big Blue UK alongside Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Along with her TV work, Lindsey is a regular voice on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Radio 4 where she has presented Costing the Earth, The Living World, Tweet of the Day, Opening Night, Pick of the Week and a number of specialist Art features.

Growing up in rural East Yorkshire, Lindsey has an innate interest in the countryside and the sea. Watching the seasons change is her favourite thing about living in the UK.

Zach Haynes

Our youngest team member, Zach Haynes at only 14 years old has made waves in the conservation world already. A naturalist enthusiast, amateur wildlife photographer and regular wildlife blogger, Zach has been involved in various conservation organisations including The Wildlife Trusts and The Woodland Trust doing various tasks including petitioning and media presenting.

Zach has won various awards for his wildlife photography and blogging and we know his talents and enthusiasm for nature do not end there as alongside Chris Packham and other young conservationists, Zach was part of the group presenting the People’s Manifesto for Wildlife to number 10. Zach most recently became an ambassador for the #iwill campaign which aims to young persons in to social or in this case, environmental action!

“The Wild Watch is a great project helping us to understand the wildlife of the area and how it is faring so that we know how we can help it out, if there are particular species that need our assistance. One of the things I think is especially good about the Wild Watch is the work with younger people. It is important to get young people involved to experience and enjoy nature. It is really easy for young people to get distracted and drawn into a virtual world, I know as I like gaming too, but it is so important to make a connection with the natural world.” – Zach Haynes

The Wild Watch project is generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.