Iolo Williams, Dr Amir Khan, Maddie Moate and James McVey volunteer to champion nature

Iolo Williams, Dr Amir Khan, Maddie Moate and James McVey volunteer to champion nature

The Wildlife Trusts welcome new vice presidents and ambassadors

The Wildlife Trusts are delighted to announce that GP and TV presenter Dr Amir Khan, and naturalist, TV presenter and author Iolo Williams, have become vice presidents of the charity – and welcome award-winning TV presenter Maddie Moate, and The Vamps’ lead guitarist, James McVey, as wildlife ambassadors. The nature enthusiasts will use their voices, influence and audiences to help The Wildlife Trusts shine a spotlight on the urgent need for nature recovery in the UK.

They join a fabulous team of distinguished and influential supporters – headed by our president Liz Bonnin. Other Wildlife Trust ambassadors include actor Alison Steadman, actor and presenter Cel Spellman, and presenter and filmmaker Hannah Stitfall.

Meet our new vice presidents!

Dr Amir Khan 

Dr Amir Khan's enthusiasm captivates you through the screen, and it's no wonder that he's become a firm favourite with the public following his appearance on Channel 5's GPs Behind Closed Doors. He's gone on to cement himself as daytime TV's go-to GP as a regular on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain. His passion for the natural world is infectious. He has been an advocate for green prescribing for a number of years, knowing the benefit the natural world has for people, particularly their mental health and wellbeing.   

Dr Amir Khan says: "The natural world has something for everyone. And it has an incredible effect on us all. We've seen from studies that exposure to green spaces, from vast, undeveloped landscapes to urban parks and street greenery, lowers the body's stress hormone cortisol. We know that children and young people who have access are more creative and imaginative. It has been a pleasure working with The Wildlife Trusts, and I'm so proud to be able to give something back by becoming an ambassador. They have been pioneers in championing nature for health and wellbeing, from nature-friendly schools to the annual nature challenge 30 Days Wild. There really is something for everyone with The Wildlife Trusts!" 

Iolo Williams 

Iolo and the natural world go hand in hand, you can't have one without the other. His documentaries, in Welsh and English, have been the introduction for many to the magnificent wildlife of Wales. Iolo is one of BBC's Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch presenters. He has been supportive of the Wildlife Trusts for a long time now, and we are excited for him to be taking the position of Vice President. Iolo's sage advice over the years has seen him become a vital partner for the movement.  

Iolo Wiliams says: "I'm very pleased, delighted, in fact, to say that I am a Vice President for The Wildlife Trusts. I've worked with The Wildlife Trusts in Wales for over 40 years. In that time, with this brilliant organisation, I have met and worked with members of staff who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and always ready to help. If I can play just a small role in championing the work that they do, I'll be a happy man." 

Meet our new ambassadors!

Maddie Moate

Maddie Moate

BAFTA Award-winning TV Presenter is known for her upbeat, educational shows from Cbeebies, Do You Know? to BBC Earth's Unplugged and Springwatch Wild Academy! Maddie has also been making online educational content for the last ten years and has seen over 30million views across her science and technology content. Maddie supported 30 Days Wild 2021, hosting our Kids Quiz on the Big Wild Weekend. We're so happy that Maddie will be an ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, and to start her role off, she has written for our Wildlife Watch Magazine's 100th Issue.

James McVey

James McVey

Arguably the 'coolest' member of The Vamps, although we might be a bit biased, James has been an advocate for nature and climate for years. His passion is inspiring, and he has seen hundreds of his fans think about their impact on the natural world.

James McVey says: "I'm often on tour, and wherever I go in the UK, it's fantastic to know that there are dedicated, passionate and skilled volunteers at local Trusts protecting and restoring our precious wild spaces. Their work is mindblowing, from conservation to land management, species reintroductions to lobby for protective status. I can't wait to get stuck in and meet some of the volunteers and members across the country."

Our wildlife champions have been instrumental in helping us with our 30 Days Wild nature challenge that runs for the month of June – and also The Wildlife Trusts’ 30 by 30 appeal. In September we announced that £25 million had so far been raised to put 30% of land and sea into recovery for nature by 2030. 

For a full list of The Wildlife Trusts’ honorary officers go here