Cranfield Trust and Black2Nature: Celebrations for Birdgirl

Congratulations to Mya-Rose Craig, 17, for the announcement that she will be awarded an honorary doctorate in science, D.Sc.h.c, from the University of Bristol. Mya-Rose, also known as Birdgirl, has been a prominent environmental and race activist throughout the UK, since the age of 13. 

The young activist, is being recognised for her advocacy for VME (Visible Minority Ethnic) children and teenagers to have equal access to the natural environment, and for her trailblazing work as President at organisation Black2Nature. 

Cranfield Trust is delighted to be working with Black2Nature on a management consultancy project over the next few months. Black2Nature arrange nature camps for VME children and teenagers to enjoy the great outdoors. They also host and participate in conferences about how the environmental sector can become ethnically diverse and engage VME people. Black2Nature are also at the forefront of campaigning throughout the environmental sector for better access to nature for VME communities. Black2Nature is currently in transition from its former not-for-profit status and has submitted an application to become a registered charity. 

At present, Cranfield Trust has placed volunteer Alex to help support the organisation as it transitions into its charity status. Alex, working closely with President Mya-Rose, and the organisation's Chair, Treasurer and Committee Members will be looking to futureproof the charity. The project has the aim of producing a 3-year strategic business plan, which will enable Black2Nature scale up their current campaigning and services throughout the UK. Alex is also providing the organisation with business development advice and the tools they need for a bright and successful future within the charity sector. Alex has been meeting regularly with Black2Nature to also discuss their specific marketing and fundraising needs. Together, Cranfield Trust and Black2Nature, want to ensure the organisation has all the support they need going forward. 

The incredible news that Mya-Rose will receive an honorary doctorate in science, D.Sc.h.c, from the University of Bristol, shows the true level of dedication this young campaigner has for such a worthwhile cause. Mya-Rose was nominated by Dr Richard Pancost, the University's Head of Earth Sciences, he said:

“Mya-Rose is most deserving for this prestigious award, predominantly for her brilliant work under Black2Nature where she epitomises courage in the face of resistance as she challenges the environmental sector to tackle the lack of racial and ethnic diversity. Her enthusiasm as @BirdgirlUK has inspired so many people to take an interest in wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature whilst protecting its fragility.”

Mya-Rose, from Compton Martin near Bristol, will be the youngest person to receive such an award. She said:
“I felt so emotional hearing that I had been nominated with such famous people and realising that my message must be getting through”. 

Cranfield Trust looks forward to celebrating the news with Mya-Rose and everyone at Black2Nature.

Image from: Birdgirl