A STUDENT dedicated to conserving his local environment has received a prestigious conservation award.
Northallerton School and Sixth Form College student Zach Haynes received the top prize in the Young Ranger of the Year awards sponsored by the North York Moors National Park Trust.
The award recognises young people under the age of 21 who have made a meaningful contribution to conservation, improved visitor access or have worked closely with local communities within or close to the National Park.
Zach, 13, of Northallerton, impressed judges after setting up his own nature blog and recording, photographing and documenting plants and wildlife on The North York Moors.
He also received praise for his lobbying of local MPs on countryside issues including grouse shooting and fox hunting.
“We have been visiting the North York Moors as a family since I was very young,” said Zach.
“I’ve always loved the scenery and the wildlife so I started to write a blog when I was nine and since then I’ve had over 250,000 views.
“My parents nominated me for the award and I was really shocked when I won, especially being up against university students and environmentalists who make a career out of studying wildlife.”
Zach’s first prize of £750 will allow him to visit other national parks in the UK which he will document for his blog.
“In my opinion The North York Moors is the best place in the world but it will be great to go and see other conservation areas in the country,” added Zach. “I love wildlife and caring for the environment.
“After I have completed my A levels, I want to train as a vet, specialising in endangered species and hopefully realise my ambition of working at The Gerald Durrell Zoo in Jersey.”