AVON Wildlife Trust has unveiled Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud as its new honorary vice-president.


The trust said the appointment of Channel 4 presenter Mr McCloud comes at a critical time with the pressures of housing development in the region mounting and the consequent impact that could have on the natural environment.


The popular television presenter, designer and chairman of Bristol-based HAB housing said it is an honour to be associated with Avon Wildlife Trust and the brilliant work it does.


“It's a privilege for any one of us to care for our wildlife and make a contribution to the preservation, enhancement and even the creation of new habitats,” he said.


“The living environment can become as powerful as the built one in our cities.”


HAB Housing, which is based in Bristol, is keen to boost the city's biodiversity and help build networks of green gateways through different projects. 


Dr Bevis Watts, chief executive of Avon Wildlife Trust said: “We are thrilled to welcome Kevin as our new honorary vice-president in adding his support to the Trust's work.

"Kevin and his team have a genuine passion for development that makes space for wildlife, and forming such partnerships is an important part of influencing the future. 


“Together we can create a nature-rich urban environment that puts wildlife right on our doorsteps, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the joy of nature every day. 


“Together, if we connect habitats and green spaces, we can create wildlife corridors – ‘green highways’ enabling wildlife to move easily around where we live and work and link to the countryside.”