University of Cumbria Wildlife Media Students Win Graduation Award for Inspiring Conservation Film

Featuring in Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s ‘Detect and Protect’ campaign, the specially created short film educates the public on how to interact responsibly near and with wildlife, particularly around the South Walney and Foulney Island Nature Reserves.

Film-makers Isobel Drake and Poppy Hotham have been recognised for their skills and talent at last week’s University of Cumbria graduations, honoured with the Industry and Entrepreneurship prize awarded by its Institute of Education, Arts and Society.

Located just off the coast of Barrow-in-Furness, South Walney Nature Reserve is home to Cumbria’s only grey seal breeding colony and supports a rich diversity of birdlife, including gulls, oystercatchers, Arctic terns, and the rare little tern, one of the UK’s most threatened seabirds. However, these sensitive habitats are under growing pressure due to human disturbance, particularly during critical breeding and pupping seasons.

Poppy Hotham said: "It has been an amazing opportunity to see and document the amazing wildlife at South Walney. Collaborating with Cumbia Wildlife Trust is a brilliant way to showcase to the public what goes on behind the scenes of a nature reserve, especially during nesting season and summer months.” 

Pictured above: Poppy Hotham, taken on the opening night of Degree Show 2025. Credit: Johnny Becker Photography

The students’ work has not only earned them accolades at graduation but is also actively being used by Cumbria Wildlife Trust to support its education and outreach work. Isobel and Poppy recently presented the film at a public event at South Walney, engaging with local communities and conservation advocates.

Isobel and Poppy’s film was also recently showcased at the Cumbrian Filmmaker Showcase, a special edition of Penrith Green Screen, held earlier this month at Penrith’s Alhambra Cinema. The evening showcased youth-led filmmaking that responds to climate and environmental issues through creativity.

Isobel Drake said: "It has been a real privilege to work alongside Cumbria Wildlife Trust on a real film brief to inform and educate the general public about wildlife disturbances. It is important for individuals to be aware about the harm caused by close human contact. This film aims to showcase the fascinating wildlife at South Walney, encouraging viewers to admire nature’s beauty from a respectful distance and build a deeper emotional connection with it." 

Pictured above: Isobel Drake, taken on the opening night of Degree Show 2025. Credit: Johnny Becker Photography

Laura Baxter, University of Cumbria BA Wildlife Media Programme Leader, Institute of Education, Arts and Society, said: - "It has been a great experience for our graduating third year students Issy and Poppy to collaborate on a real project addressing an identified need, to inform and educate the public about wildlife disturbance.  This opportunity has enhanced their employability skills, working in collaboration and partnership with professionals and enabling Poppy and Issy to apply their learning in an external context.  We are delighted that Cumbria Wildlife Trust are happy with the final film and can now use it in various ways at events and on social media, to help wildlife conservation."

Lex Heaton, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with Issy and Poppy on the Wildlife Disturbance Film, as they share our same passion for protecting and highlighting the importance of nature in Cumbria. ‘Detect and Protect’ is an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about wildlife disturbance on the Cumbrian coastline, and it’s great that Issy and Poppy were able to create a brilliant film to support it. I’m pleased Issy and Poppy won the Industry and Entrepreneurship prize for the collaborative film and I’m excited to see what they produce in the future.”

The project’s connection to South Walney is especially timely, as the University of Cumbria prepares to open the doors to its new Barrow campus this September. Situated just minutes from Walney Island, the campus will provide an exciting opportunity for future students to learn and develop.

The university’s expanding presence in Barrow-in-Furness reflects a commitment to supporting regional growth, education, and sustainability, while giving students opportunities to collaborate with partners like Cumbria Wildlife Trust amongst lots of other local organisations, businesses and community groups.

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