The Friends of Richmond Park has recently welcomed former British Number 1 tennis player Annabel Croft as its new patron. Known for her extensive work as a tennis commentator on major networks like BBC, Sky TV, and Eurosport, Croft's new role is particularly significant as she brings notable public attention to environmental initiatives. The charity, which is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of Richmond Park, is excited about the addition of Croft to its roster of distinguished patrons, which already includes environmental figures like Sir David Attenborough and Clare Balding.
"Richmond Park is very close to my heart, having spent so many happy times there. Its natural beauty and serenity have brought me and my family so much joy. I am delighted to be able to help Friends of Richmond Park continue their work to preserve and protect this precious jewel in the crown of our community,” Croft expressed her enthusiasm for the role.
Roger Hillyer, Chairman of Friends of Richmond Park, echoed Croft's sentiments, stating, "We are thrilled Annabel has agreed to become a patron of Friends of Richmond Park. Her love of the Park and desire to see it continue to provide an unspoilt sanctuary for wildlife and visitors will be invaluable.”
Meanwhile, making waves across the coastline, Hannah Beaumont from Brixham, known for her relentless litter-picking efforts, has been appointed as an ambassador for the UK environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy. Beaumont, who moved to Devon from Yorkshire, launched her advocacy page, Me & the Plastic Sea, to raise awareness on litter pollution since 2020. Each month, she embarks on a three-and-a-half-mile loop between Brixham and Paignton, collecting litter and documenting her efforts on social media.
Beaumont has become increasingly recognized for her contributions to environmental cleanliness, collecting litter and bringing attention to this growing issue. "People are always shocked by how much litter I find on each walk, especially if they haven’t seen my page before,” she notes. Her efforts caught the attention of Sir David Attenborough, who has corresponded with her, culminating recently in her attendance at the Houses of Parliament to launch the Great British Spring Clean, now marking its 10th year.
This year, the Great British Spring Clean runs from March 21 to April 6 and encourages communities nationwide to pick up litter. Pledges are made by residents to collect at least one bag of litter during this campaign, fostering local responsibility. A recent report by Keep Britain Tidy highlighted the pervasive litter problem across England, reporting only nine out of 100 locations being litter-free, with the majority of surveyed sites containing rubbish.
Hannah Beaumont emphasized the need for community involvement, declaring, "One person alone can’t change everything, but small actions add up. I’ve had people tell me they started litter picking after seeing my posts, which is amazing. If everyone did a little bit, I believe we could change the world.”
To raise awareness, Beaumont has also undertaken 24-hour litter-picking marathons to benefit local charities, including Manorlands Hospice, where her grandmother received care before her passing. Recently, during her Time as Keep Britain Tidy ambassador, she teamed up with fellow litter warrior Flora, founder of Washed Up Cards, for clean-up efforts along the Thames.
Reflecting on her experiences, Beaumont expressed how wonderful it was to meet other ambassadors dedicated to conservation efforts: "It was a lovely couple of hours chatting with someone whose brain seems to work like mine! We found so much of the same rubbish—Nerf gun bullets, shoes, plastic bottles—along with more unusual items like religious and cultural offerings, loads of polystyrene, and of course, glass and pottery, which I happily pocketed! We even found two googly eyes, two footballs, and a toy car.”
Emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, stated, “Our report is a wake-up call. It shows litter is more than an eyesore—it prevents investment, creates inequality, damages the environment, and makes people feel depressed and unsafe. It’s unacceptable.”
Both Annabel Croft and Hannah Beaumont embody the proactive spirit required to tackle the litter crisis and encourage community spirit. They represent individuals who, through their respective roles, hope to engage the public in meaningful initiatives toward preserving and cherishing natural environments.
Beaumont encapsulated the essence of community-driven environmental advocacy: "It was wonderful to meet other ambassadors, and I felt incredibly lucky to have this opportunity. What a way to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science—the amount of marine and plastic-related knowledge I’ve taught myself over the years and shared with others is crazy!”