Young Bransgore conservationist Arun Carson receives Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust award

A BUDDING conservationist from Bransgore was the youngest to receive a special award from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust for his work with marine life.

Arun Carson (14) was presented with The Young Changemaker Award in the trust’s Wilder Awards, one of nine accolades given to individuals, groups and businesses across the region.

The teenager started volunteering with the trust aged just nine, taking part in intertidal surveys and becoming a champion for the Secrets of the Solent project.

“I am very grateful for the award,” said Arun. “It will encourage me to continue what I am doing and aspire to do better, and has also made me think about how I can inspire others.”

Emily Stroud, senior engagement officer for the wildlife trust, said: “Arun takes his surveying very seriously, and has become one of our top identifiers and experienced surveyors, helping others.

“He reviewed and even wrote some of our online training for Secrets of the Solent, ensuring young people would understand the content and find it engaging.

“Anytime we need content or a young person to be involved or give us feedback, Arun is always the first person we go to, and his response is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always honest. Any opportunity to get involved in conservation, he leaps at it.”

Another winner was Hounsdown Primary School in Totton, which took The Wilder School Award.

A ceremony were held at Portsmouth Busin Lakeside North Harbour, which has been working in partnership with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust since 2015.