Heidi McIlvenny

Heidi joined The National Lottery funded ‘Sea Deep’ shark conservation project led by Ulster Wildlife which ran until June 2022. From tagging sharks at sea, to hunting for their egg cases on the shore, they trained and equipped volunteers to help identify important spawning and nursery grounds, to target conservation efforts. The Sea Deep Project launched a first-of-its-kind shark-tagging programme in Northern Ireland to gather vital data about local sharks, skates and rays.

Heidi is a firm believer that the natural environment is a key part of our heritage, and that experience is one of the key tenets of getting people to start to notice and care about the natural environment. She believes conservation projects such as this one help to make that a reality.

Heidi said: "I firmly believe that the way we engage with nature is a vital aspect of our identity. Whether it's through traditional practices like fishing or recreational activities such as angling or sea-swimming, these connections to the natural world are deeply meaningful. So it's essential that we protect our natural heritage sites so future generations can also enjoy these experiences. Thanks to National Lottery funding, we've been able to make a significant impact on shark conservation efforts here in Northern Ireland, contributing to the continued presence of these beautiful species in our environment”