Wildlife Trust

During the COVID lockdowns, Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust received funding to support public engagement at a time when access to nature was severely restricted. I pitched and led a campaign designed to align with government guidance encouraging outdoor activity, while also offering a calm reminder of what would be waiting for people when they could return to local nature reserves.

The challenge was to deliver a coherent series of films across multiple reserves during a period of uncertainty, limited access and tight budgets. The work needed to reflect seasonal ecological differences, operate within COVID restrictions, and remain useful both during lockdown and as long-term engagement content for the Trust.

I took ownership of the full £15k budget and worked closely with reserve managers to develop a year-long filming strategy, matching each location to its optimal season. This approach maximised the impact of the funding while respecting wildlife cycles and operational constraints. Editorial decisions prioritised calm, accessibility and emotional connection, ensuring the work felt supportive rather than promotional.

The films were used as flagship content to launch the Trust’s Wilder Futures programme and became a repeatable format for future campaigns and fundraising. They supported public engagement during lockdown and beyond, with one primary school using the films daily as a calming start to the school day, reflecting the project’s wider social value.