Rachel Bigsby Appointed Badger Trust's First Youth Ambassador
Rachel Bigsby has been appointed the first Youth Ambassador for Badger Trust, the leading organisation dedicated to the welfare, conservation and protection of badgers in England and Wales.
Rachel Bigsby stands beside Chris Packham holding a banner at Parliament Green, London, in a peaceful demonstration to end Badger culling.
The appointment recognises Rachel's longstanding relationship with Britain's native badgers, her contribution to wildlife conservation and her ability to engage new audiences through photography, filmmaking and storytelling. Having spent several years studying and photographing wild badgers in the woodlands of Sussex, Rachel has developed an intimate understanding of their complex social lives, behaviours and the challenges they face. Her photographic work, including her celebrated Badgers in Bluebells series, offers a rare and sensitive insight into the private lives of a species that remains widely misunderstood.
A European Badger makes its way through an ancient woodland of Bluebells.
Rachel's relationship with Badger Trust began long before her formal appointment. As a dedicated supporter of the charity, she has contributed photographic imagery to fundraising campaigns, participated in educational initiatives and produced conservation films, including Our Time With Badgers. Her involvement reflects a belief that wildlife photography should serve a purpose beyond artistic expression, helping to foster public understanding, challenge misconceptions and encourage meaningful protection for the animals it celebrates.
In announcing the appointment, Badger Trust Executive Director Peter Hambly acknowledged Rachel's contribution to the organisation and her ability to connect with younger audiences:
“Rachel shares our deep passion for badgers and has collaborated with us for some time to make our message more accessible to young people. The involvement of youth in conservation efforts has never been more crucial.”
A female European Badger named ‘Luna’, of significance to Rachel.
As Badger Trust's first Youth Ambassador, Rachel will champion responsible wildlife photography, public education and the protection of Badgers and their habitats, using her platform to encourage greater appreciation of these remarkable mammals and inspire a new generation to become advocates for their future.
For Rachel, the appointment represents a continuation of the values that have shaped her photographic practice from its earliest beginnings: patience, compassion, respect for wildlife and a belief that those privileged enough to spend time with wild animals have a responsibility to speak for their protection. Her appointment is a reminder that the true value of wildlife photography extends beyond the images themselves, into the understanding, compassion and conservation action they can inspire.
Learn more: Badger Trust