The John Spedan Lewis Emerging Leader Award

Awardees are typically professionals or non-professionals of any nationality or age who are usually within the first 10 years of their work within the natural environment and have a record of creating a positive impact on the UK natural environment.

Nominations are now closed. Nominations will re-open in summer 2026. If you are interested in making a nomination and would like more information, please contact nominations@linnean.org.

• Open to any professionals or non-professionals of any nationality or age creating a positive impact on the UK natural environment.
• The definition of 'emerging leader' does not have a rigid definition, but could be interpreted as someone within the first 10 years of their work within the natural environment.
• Areas of impact could include environmental activism and campaigning, community engagement, education, nature conservation and research, practical interventions (habitat improvement), and the study of wild plants and animals.
• Nominee does not need to be a Fellow of the Linnean Society
• Nominator does not need to be a Fellow of the Linnean Society.

Founder of the John Lewis Partnership, John Spedan Lewis (1885–1963) was a keen naturalist who put into practice his belief that the natural world should be better understood, cared for, and enjoyed by as many as possible. He was elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society in 1933.

His work and passion continue through the John Lewis Partnership Foundation’s Nature Fund which is funded directly from the John Lewis Partnership and money raised by Partners, suppliers and customers.

The Foundation, in collaboration with the Linnean Society, marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the John Spedan Lewis Foundation (JSLF) in 2015 with the award of the first Medal, bringing together two institutions that had been so important to John Spedan Lewis.

Amy Bray

'I am delighted to receive the John Spedan Lewis Emerging Leader Award to recognise my work empowering, educating and mobilising young people to take action for nature in the UK. I hope that this award shows young people that change is possible and would love to accept it on behalf of all the young people in Another Way's community who speak up for nature every day. Often, the work and impact of young people go unrecognised, which makes awards like this all the more important. Thank you!'

Amy Bray is a young leader turning environmental concern into practical action. At 16 she founded Another Way, a youth-led charity that grew from a grassroots project in Cumbria into a national movement engaging thousands of young people, schools and communities. In 2021 she launched the Power of 10 movement and digital platform, giving young changemakers tools, resources and support to tackle climate challenges while building skills and resilience. Under her leadership, Another Way has planted more than 30,000 trees and led clean-ups and community initiatives across the UK. Recognised with the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and roles in national environmental programmes, Amy combines science, education and community action to inspire young people to lead lasting environmental change.