January is a wonderful time to reflect on all that we have achieved last year and the impact we were able to make thanks to all of you. None of this would be possible without your incredible support and generous donations. In addition to funding these projects, we also need partners to make it happen. Their leadership and skills make such a difference to the lives of these young people. Thank you, it's been a fantastic year working with you.
I’ve highlighted some of our accomplishments and full details are on our website. We celebrated a monumental milestone in 2025: in the past 11 years we have engaged with over 10,000 young people who have benefited from connecting with nature in some way. It means such a lot to us. |
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The Hawk Conservancy Trust
Andover
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| It was a pleasure to work with the Hawk Conservancy Trust and sponsor 2 intern positions last summer. Sorcha and Aderyn were part of the Conservation Research and Education department. Our sponsorship gave them the funds to allow them to work there, enabling them to gain important skills to pursue a career in conservation. |
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| The Hawk Conservancy Trust at the Cameron Bespolka Memorial Talk |
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“I have really enjoyed my time working here and I couldn’t ask for better people to work with. My biggest thank you goes to Dr Jamie McKaughan, the Conservation and Research Coordinator, who has supported me immensely throughout this internship. A huge thank you to the Cameron Bespolka Trust. This internship has been a huge stepping stone into a career in conservation and without their support I would not have been here.”
Sorcha, intern. |
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| Sorcha, Conservation and Research Intern at the Hawk Conservancy Trust |
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| And we were truly grateful to the Hawk Conservancy for the amazing talks they gave at the annual Cameron Bespolka Wildlife Memorial Lecture last November, hosted by Winchester College. Over 470 primary school children enjoyed an interactive talk in the afternoon given by 3 of their Rangers, followed in the evening by a lecture delivered by Dr. Campbell Murn, their leading scientist who gave us fascinating insights into the role of birds of prey. |
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| Talk by the Hawk Conservancy Trust |
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We continue to work with young people to help fund a wildlife project, big or small, that helps nature and engages others in the natural world. We sponsored a variety of projects last year and applications for funding for 2026 is now open.
Have a look at some of the projects we were able to support last year. |
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| Monitoring Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers |
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Birds of Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour Young Birders Club, Dorset
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| Young Birder Event with Birds of Poole Harbour |
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Birds of Poole Harbour are a charity which aims to raise the profile of bird conservation, preservation and observation in and around Poole Harbour, Dorset. We are thrilled to again sponsor their fantastic Young Birders Club, established in 2024 where they run free events for young people 13-18 years.
Have a look at some of the amazing events they ran last year, a highlight always being their cruises around Poole Harbour. Please share with any young person who you think might be interested in joining them. |
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Cameron's Cottage
RSPB reserve Franchises Lodge, New Forest
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| Author Roger Morgan-Grenville talks about wildlife writing and books to participants at the Young Writers camp |
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Cameron’s Cottage accommodated so many groups of young people last year who were bursting with excitement at being in such a welcoming and peaceful place, surrounded by nature.
Most groups book direct with the RSPB (Cameron’s Cottage is run as a non-profit venture) and we sponsor groups who do not have the financial means to do so. Last year we funded 20 groups to visit Cameron’s Cottage; groups included schools, Young Carer organisations, youth organisations and nature conservationists. For some it was a first time experience and for others it was an opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge. A Young Writer’s creative camp as well as a Young Leaders camp were held at Cameron’s Cottage with outside experts being invited to share their knowledge to build skills and confidence in conservation and writing. |
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“It was also great to have a chance to talk to authors about their tips, and about nature literature in general, and get to ask questions, especially regarding confidence.”
Young Writers camp participant. |
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| We work closely with the RSPB to explore new ways to engage with young people and reach new groups who would benefit from time connecting with nature. Laura, who works for the RSPB, does a tremendous job running Cameron’s Cottage and is constantly adding new features as well as exploring new activities to offer. Activities are tailored to individual groups and reflect the seasons. |
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“It has been such a privilege to stay in such a beautiful place surrounded by people with such a pure passion for nature. Thank you.”
Young Writers camp participant. |
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| Follow your dreams |
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| Learning how to safely build a fire |
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| The RSPB own and manage Cameron’s Cottage and run all the nature activities and it’s a pleasure to work with them on the strategic development and planning. |
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| First time for Free to be Kids from London at Cameron's Cottage |
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| Woodland team building |
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| Full details of all groups and activities at Cameron's Cottage: |
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| What an amazing eco-education building, finished last year. It was great to support this fabulous project, initiated by Andy Lester. |
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| Fabulous wildlife views from this eco-education building |
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| Coffee morning sale at the Flower Pots |
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| Thank you to the everyone who came and supported our annual coffee morning at the Flower Pots pub. We couldn't do it without the help of so many friends who tirelessly give up their time and energy to support us, year after year. And thank you for the wonderful hampers; they were kindly sponsored by so many generous local businesses. The lucky hamper winners were Vicky Lush, Sio Axelberg and Penny Scott. Huge congratulations! |
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| Tracey Newman delighted with the hamper she won |
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And thank you to my lovely friend Jackie for organising a coffee morning sale in London, lucky hamper winner was Tracey Newman.
Both events raised close to £10,000. Thank you to everyone who made them such a huge success. |
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Three Major Marathons
Thank you for supporting me Running for Cameron in the Boston, London and New York marathons. I feel so grateful that I can run 3 iconic major marathons in one year, although my body is suffering! Thank you for all your donations, as well as your friendship, constant marathon talk and encouragement! |
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| Running for Cameron in New York |
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London Marathon
Good luck Emily-Rose Holland who is one of the very few people I know to get a London Marathon spot the very first time they actually applied! Thank you so much for Running for Cameron, you will fly through the streets of London on 26th April and we will be cheering you on all the way! Please support Emily-Rose who had never run more than 5km until she took on this mammoth challenge. Great job Emily-Rose, you’ll smash it!
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| And finally, it was so great to hear this from Liz Smith CBE MSP: |
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| “Throughout all my 16 years as a secondary school teacher and the 2 subsequent decades as a parliamentarian, I have been very firmly of the view that outdoor education is one of the most valuable and rewarding learning experiences that any young person can have. And a residential outdoor experience, when young people can experience an environment that is very removed from the usual everyday situations, is often life-changing.” |
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We couldn’t agree more.
For Cameron always. 💚
With huge gratitude and thanks from me and all our Trustees,
Corinne x |
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"The future of humanity and indeed all life on earth depends on us."
David Attenborough
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Registered Charity No: 1156567
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