Young Ranger award goes to six-year-old schoolgirl

The North Yorkshire Moors National Park Trust award recognises the best contributions of young people aged 21 or under who have volunteered their time to help conservation efforts, improve visitor access or work closely with local communities in or around the National Park.

Winner six-year-old Avery Hamilton is described by those that know her as an unstoppable force for good and was chosen for her passion and dedication for conservation in the North York Moors and elsewhere.

Nominating Avery, her Godfather Ben Grant said: “Avery 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.”

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.”

Avery has been awarded £750 to visit any National Park with her family.

Scooping second prize and £250 to visit a National Park is 15-year-old Matthew Parker from Ruswarp, near Whitby, who volunteers with the Explorer Club.

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