Prestigious Honour for WildChiswick Founder
Joanne Gilbert receives the ZSL Stamford Raffles Award
Joanne Gilbert with her reward. Picture: @WildChiswick
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December 10, 2025
Joanne Gilbert, co-founder of WildChiswick, has been honoured with the prestigious ZSL Stamford Raffles Award for her outstanding contributions to community-led conservation.
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has awarded her the Stamford Raffles Award, recognising her remarkable achievements as an amateur zoologist working. The award celebrates individuals whose passion and dedication have advanced zoology and conservation in meaningful ways and are not paid to do so.
Joanne’s journey into conservation began in 2006, when she left a career in marketing to volunteer at Paignton Zoo and local wildlife rescue centres. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her later work in Chiswick, where she has become a driving force for grassroots conservation.
In 2021, Joanne co-founded WildChiswick, a not-for-profit, community-led organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting local wildlife. The group has grown rapidly, now boasting more than 350 members, and has become a hub for education, research, and practical conservation projects.
WildChiswick’s mission is to help local wildlife survive and thrive in an increasingly urban environment. The organisation runs projects ranging from hedgehog highways—small gaps in fences that allow hedgehogs to move safely between gardens—to swift monitoring and nest-box installations across Chiswick. These initiatives not only improve habitats but also engage residents in hands-on conservation.
The group collaborates with major organisations including ZSL, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, and the Mammal Society. One of its flagship efforts is participation in London HogWatch, where Joanne coordinates camera-trap surveys to track hedgehog populations. This work has significantly improved understanding of hedgehog distribution in west London.
WildChiswick also places strong emphasis on education and outreach. Joanne has written children’s books about hedgehogs, including the “Snout” series, which introduces young readers to the challenges facing these beloved animals. The group regularly hosts talks, bat walks, and school visits, ensuring that conservation is accessible and engaging for all ages.
Upon receiving the award, Joanne expressed her gratitude on social media: “Honoured and delighted to have been awarded the Stamford Raffles Medal @ZSLScience last night, and spend time amongst many inspiring award recipients.”
The ZSL Stamford Raffles Award is presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to zoology outside the scope of their professional activities. It forms part of ZSL’s wider programme of science and conservation awards, which celebrate innovation and dedication across the field. ZSL itself is best known as the organisation behind London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, but its reach extends globally through research and conservation initiatives.
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