6-year-old wins North York Moors Prize

“I'm so happy. I love it when I can help the Explorers plant the baby trees to make new homes for the animals."

Six-year-old Avery collecting cut grass
Author: Seb CheerPublished 22nd Nov 2020
Last updated 22nd Nov 2020

A six-year-old girl from Wetherby has won first prize in the 2020 North York Moors National Park Young Ranger Award.

The scheme recognises the contributions of people aged under 21 to help conservation efforts, improve visitor access or work with local communities.

Avery Hamilton was chosen as the winner for her dedication for conservation within the North York Moors and elsewhere.

She was nominated by her Godfather, Ben Grant, who says she "talks endlessly about conservation, pretty much to anyone who will listen.

"She has volunteered to give talks at her school about the subject and has waged a personal war on littering in her local area.”

Avery's helped other volunteers to plant trees

Michael Graham from the North York Moors National Park Trust said:

“Avery’s passion for volunteering is clear to everyone who meets her.

"Over her time with the National Park’s Explorer Club she has brought along every member of her family, all of whom have been inspired to work as hard as her for the same cause.

"Avery also carries that passion into different areas of her life, encouraging her friends at school to care about the environment.”

On winning the award, Avery said: “I'm so happy. I love it when I can help the Explorers plant the baby trees to make new homes for the animals."

She's been awarded £750 to visit any National Park with her family.