Heather Needham

King’s Emerging Leader Award – Heather Needham (Geography, 2021)

The accolade celebrates recent graduates who have exhibited exceptional success within their chosen profession.

Heather is an award-winning researcher and champion of biodiversity. She won the Wellington Medal in 2021 in recognition of her academic achievements and contribution to King’s Geography Society. She also gained national coverage for receiving a letter from Sir David Attenborough after sending him her dissertation.

Her current role involves implementing the University of Oxford’s biodiversity strategy and driving nature-positive practices throughout the organisation’s operations and supply chain. At the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, Heather presented her work measuring these impacts at Oxford. Other career highlights include coordinating biodiversity campaigns with Youth and Environment Europe.

When asked what advice she’d give to those wanting to make a difference in the world, Heather says: ‘Start small. Making a difference doesn’t always demand big actions. You could consider volunteering with local organisations, participating in community projects, setting up an initiative, and supporting ethical and sustainable businesses. Every small action counts and can pave the way for larger opportunities.’