Birds on the Brink welcomes its new Ambassador, Mya Bambrick

By way of an introduction, Mya tells the story of the importance of the natural world in her life, the birds and people that first inspired her, and the reasons behind her continued passion for the environment.

Hands numb, camera poised, and ears tuned in, waiting in trepidation for the swoop of determined wings. It landed in its usual place (a tree stump next to the bird feeder) and as quickly as it did, I cautiously moved my eye to the viewfinder and pressed the shutter. The bird in question? A beautiful Great Spotted Woodpecker - one of the birds that captured my imagination at the tender age of eight.

***Above: Great Spotted Woodpecker ©Mya Bambrick***

It all started in that hide at my local nature reserve. Every weekend and school holiday were spent carefully observing and capturing images of the variety of birds that flocked and busied around the tasty morsels on offer.

My friends and family were very supportive of my passion but were not themselves especially interested in birds and other wildlife. Instead, my inspiration came from the fascinating imagery and enthusiastic presenting on the TV programme ‘Springwatch’ along with walks around my local parks. That’s what hooked me. And being given a Bridge Camera for my tenth birthday catalysed this spark. It made me even more aware of and focused on the beautiful wildlife around me.

Ten years later, I am now even more conscious of wildlife and the need to conserve it. I’m hoping to inspire the next generation to open their eyes to what nature can offer. It has given me so much joy and routinely acts as a safety valve, allowing me to escape the daily pressures of life. In return, I feel I owe nature my determination and commitment as a thank you.

Wildlife is disappearing in front of our very eyes: habitat loss and degradation are wiping out species, and the planet is suffering from the impacts of climate change. Without people’s awareness and understanding of what’s going on, there is little hope.

Lockdown continues to serve as a reminder of how nature is hard-wired in all of us and how we need it to see us through times of hardship. In addition, we also saw the enthusiasm and willingness of people to learn about it and get excited and inspired by nature’s wonders.

I’m delighted to say I am now an Ambassador for this wonderful charity, Birds on the Brink. Passionate individuals coming together to support small bird conservation projects. Projects that directly protect and save birds on the edge of possible extinction. How inspiring is that? It is exactly what we need if my generation and the next is to have the privilege of seeing such amazing natural wonders. With privilege comes responsibility, of course, which is why I am keen to do whatever I can for conservation.