Date posted

26.01.22

Author

Visit Sherwood

Prestigious award given to young Sherwood volunteer Indy

One of Sherwood’s volunteers, and among the RSPB’s brightest young stars, has received the charity’s most prestigious award. 

16-year-old Indy Kiemel-Greene started volunteering for the RSPB in 2018 – at the age of just 13. He’s keen to turn his hand to any task, no matter how gruelling, and is involved a wide range of volunteer activities.

Indy is based at Sherwood Forest, but also makes appearances at other RSPB nature reserves, as well as taking part in regular events on social media. 

The RSPB President’s Award is given to only six winners each year – out of 12,000 volunteers – to celebrate the hard work and commitment of those who go the extra mile to save nature. 

Indy was drawn to the RSPB from a young age. While most teenagers have a favourite band or football team, nature and conservation are his true passion. He strongly believes in the charity’s vision and communicates it with unending enthusiasm. He takes part in ‘traditional’ volunteering involving practical work, including getting up at 3am to survey birds, leading guided walks, and volunteering for the RSPB in newer, more creative ways. 

 

A glowing nomination

By dedicating his personal social media channels to nature communications, he reaches new audiences online with his enthusiasm for wildlife. For this reason, he is one of the RSPB’s most passionate and genuine ambassadors, championing the charity’s work in everything he does. 

Indy is also a member of the RSPB’s Youth Council, a group of 10 youth ambassadors who are empowered to ensure young people are at the heart of the charity does. 

Lucy Hodson, who nominated Indy for the award, said: “He’s absolutely brilliant, and really is dedicated to the cause. We are all chuffed to bits that he’s won [the President’s Award]. 

“Indy has tried his hand at a huge variety of volunteer roles within the RSPB. And that feat is even more impressive when you find out he’s only 16 years old. He’s really confident on camera, and I’ve never seen someone so young stand so confidently under the Major Oak and deliver a talk to 100 people. 

“It’s been an honour to work with someone who is not just extremely passionate about our natural world, but is also passionate about sharing that joy with any audience. He’s always been calm, professional and welcoming to everyone. 

“We’re really proud of you, Indy, you’ve absolutely smashed it and we can’t wait to see what you go on to do next.”