Sian Mercer
Despite being only 16 years old, Sian is a young woman who inspires so many people in all she achieved and endeavours to achieve. She has worked hard to contribute to the ornithological and environmental sectors in spite of the challenges of lockdowns and her school exams. Alongside being a keen birder who is constantly aspiring to learn more, Sian has converted her passion for nature into working with the BTO in their Youth Representative Scheme. Since October 2020, she has organised a range of events and activities for young people in Shropshire and has actively taken part in many real-life events and surveys which have contributed to the gathering of important ornithological data. Sian has also attempted to push people all around her, including her peers, to have a greater respect for nature and birds. She has written articles, tackled issues such as plastic waste, taken school friends birdwatching with her, and expresses her views on how nature can be made more accessible and safe for young women. Sian’s love for nature and birds always comes first to her, rather than her own status in the field and her modesty can often cause her work to go unrecognised.