Each year BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour ask their listeners to nominate inspiring, influential women to add to their Power List. The final list is decided by a panel of expert judges but all nominations come from the public. This year’s list focused on conservation and the environment, and we’re delighted that RSPB’s CEO Beccy Speight is at number 8. Beccy has worked in the conservation sector for many years, including heading the Woodland Trust. She was appointed CEO at RSPB in 2019.

She says:

“I’m delighted to be part of this list, which reflects RSPB’s influence as well as my own, and in such inspiring company.  Our shared cause is a vital one, with pressing urgency. It will take us all, so it is particularly heartening to know we are a growing movement of many, all different but all making our energies felt.”

There are 30 women on the list, including volunteers for local community projects, activists, lawyers, broadcasters and scientists. It is heartening to see a new generation of environmentalists being recognised. They include young campaigners like Mya-Rose Craig (aka BirdGirl) and climate activist Holly Gillibrand, who at just 15 is the youngest on the list.  At number 1 is Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, who has campaigned tirelessly to put green issues at the centre of politics for many years. Many congratulations to them all!

You can read about each of them here