An Aberystwyth student has won a national award for inspiring the next generation of environmental champions.

Cameron Anderson, 21, has been named Young Volunteer of the Year at the Tidy Wales Awards 2026 for his outstanding contribution to conservation, community growing and environmental education.

Cameron has already built a remarkable track record of environmental leadership, first in school and later at Aberystwyth University, where his passion for nature, sustainability and community action has inspired countless others to get involved.

He was nominated by Plascrug School who described Cameron as “a truly exceptional individual, who has gone above and beyond to lead multiple voluntary environmental initiatives at Aberystwyth University and the local

community, alongside his first class honours undergraduate degree in Agriculture with Business Management”.

Cameron’s volunteering includes being Charity Secretary (2024-25) and President (2025-26) of Aberystwyth Marine Conservation Society, Garden Officer of the Aberystwyth Conservation Volunteers (ACV) society, Head Project Leader for the Undeb (formerly Penglais) Community Garden, membership of Aber Phyte Club, Aberystwyth University Botanical Society, and designing and delivering weekly hands-on volunteering at Ysgol Plascrug since 2024.

“Cam’s weekly school gardening sessions, empowering children to plant, maintain, and take care of the school’s greenspace, have inspired a generation of children,” a school spokesperson added.

“In his leadership roles at Aberystwyth University, he has inspired and engaged dozens of student volunteers, across multiple degree courses and student societies, to get involved in environmental initiatives.

“He has successfully combined strategic ideas with hands-on action to build connections across organisations, generously share his knowledge, and link intergenerational communities of university students, staff, ecology professionals, and primary school pupils.”

Cameron said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won the Young Volunteer of the Year Award. It means so much to be recognised for something I’m passionate about.

“I believe that, especially in this challenging world, coming together as a community and carrying out random acts of kindness can make a real difference.

“It’s amazing to be part of something that brings people together and makes a positive impact.”  

Jo Golley, Communications Director at Keep Wales Tidy said: “Meeting Cameron at the Tidy Wales Awards genuinely made my day. His passion for the environment, enthusiasm for life and commitment to making a difference are impossible to miss. 

“What makes Cameron’s story so special is the legacy he has created. From helping Plascrug school achieve its first Platinum Eco-Schools award, inspiring generations of young people to care for the environment, to becoming a driving force for environmental action at Aberystwyth University, he has consistently shown what can be achieved when passion is turned into action.

“Through his enthusiasm, leadership and ability to bring people together, Cameron has inspired countless others to get involved and create positive change of their own. 

“This award is thoroughly deserved. Cameron represents everything the Tidy Wales Awards stand for: passion, action, leadership and lasting change. I have no doubt this is only the beginning of his journey and well be hearing a lot more about what Cameron achieves in the years ahead. I for one will be watching this space.”