Local conservationists reach BBC Make a Difference Awards finals

The Warminster Toad Patrol and a teenage conservationist have been named finalists in the BBC Wiltshire Make a Difference Awards.

Dexter Painter-Coates, a 14-year-old Warminster Journal deliverer, has been shortlisted in the Young Hero category for his work promoting nature conservation and raising awareness of local wildlife.

He said, “I was really surprised and I couldn’t believe that I had been chosen as a finalist. I was so excited to get the news as it would be another opportunity to potentially inspire more people to get out into nature.”

Dexter regularly posts educational videos online to encourage local people to take an interest in nature and conservation.

“By making videos of the things I get up to, sharing projects, doing talks and other outreach, I hope that I can help inspire young people to feel more connected to nature, especially in our local area,” said Dexter. “When you feel connected to nature, you are more likely to want to protect it.

“I am so proud of everything I have done to help the various different organisations that I volunteer with, but I had a very special moment a few weeks ago when I met a young lad in the local nature reserve who told me that he loves the videos I make and how he’s inspired to get out and enjoy nature. With everything I do I want to encourage more young people to get out, enjoy nature and do their bit for conservation, so hearing that I have inspired someone to get out there felt really special for me.”

Dexter also volunteers with the Warminster Toad Patrol, which has been named a finalist in the Environmental category for its work protecting migrating toads as they make their way to breeding ponds.

The group has secured a seasonal road closure to help keep toads safe from traffic as they cross Smallbrook Road on their way to Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve during the breeding season. Toad patrollers also help amphibians cross roads safely and record sightings, including numbers, sex and size, to help monitor local populations.

Founding member Iain Perkins said, “We were all quite surprised about it. I’m an ecologist, and we’ve been trying to save these toads for a long, long time. It’s great for us, and great for the people in Warminster to be recognised for the stuff we are doing. It’s also great for all of the toads, and all of their amphibian friends!”

The group hopes the publicity from the awards will raise awareness of its campaign against developments in areas such as Damask Meadows, which are used by migrating toads travelling to their breeding ponds.

“The toad population now faces a potentially bigger threat,” said Iain. “We could be getting an award and then having no toads to save!”

The finals of the awards will take place in Swindon on Saturday 5th September.