AN award for services to wildlife and to the natural environment has been given to the chief executive of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in the King's New Year Honours List.
Deborah Tann was awarded an MBE which recognises her achievements during a 30-year career in nature conservation.
Debbie said: “I am beyond grateful for this wonderful award which reflects just what a brilliant team of staff, trustees, volunteers, members and supporters I have at the Trust.
"My lifelong passion for nature drives my determination to do all I can to protect wildlife and restore it to health.
"Sadly, the UK has become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and our biodiversity is in serious trouble, but through the incredible work of my dedicated and passionate team we are helping wildlife to bounce back across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”
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Debbie admitted that working in nature conservation can feel like an uphill struggle when trying to protect wildlife from the impacts of development, intensive land use, pollution, recreational pressure and climate change.
She said: "This award has made me so happy and proud of everything that we have achieved together over the years, and I am thrilled to receive such recognition.”
Chairman of the Trust, David Jordan, said: “I’m delighted that Debbie has been awarded an MBE in recognition of her outstanding work to promote the conservation and restoration of wildlife in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"At a time when nature faces greater threats than any other time in history, Debbie’s leadership and achievements are a beacon of hope and an inspiration which is delivering real and lasting change.”
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Having graduated with a first-class BSc degree in Environmental Science and then receiving a distinction for her Conservation Masters degree from University College London, Debbie began her career as an ecologist specialising in freshwater habitats, ponds and rivers.
She worked in a variety of roles within the Wildlife Trusts, including Biodiversity Officer, Head of Conservation and Deputy CEO, before being appointed Chief Executive at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) in 2008.
During her tenure, Debbie has overseen substantial growth with The Trust now managing 5,000 hectares of land across the two counties which provides not only incredible wildlife habitat but vital ecosystem services to support the local economy and people.
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Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts, Craig Bennett, said: “On behalf of everyone across The Wildlife Trusts, I’d like to offer my warm congratulations to Debbie Tann on being awarded an MBE, which is very well deserved.
"Debbie is a leading light in UK nature recovery who constantly shows innovation, drive, and dedication to positive change."
Alongside her day job, Debbie has served on various committees, boards and advisory groups over the past 25 years including being seconded into DEFRA for 11 months to help write the Natural Environment White Paper - ‘Making Space for Nature’.
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