10-year-old photographer from Llandrindod Wells, Jamie Smart, has been appointed as a Patron of the Cuan Wildlife Rescue charity, joining renowned actresses Dame Joanna Lumley and Gabriella Drake in supporting the cause.

Also known as ‘Eagle Eyed Girl,’ Jamie has won numerous national and international photography competitions for her striking wildlife images. Her talent and passion for nature recently led the Shropshire-based charity to invite her to become a patron.

The exciting news was revealed live on BBC Radio Shropshire on Monday, 6 October, celebrating Jamie’s contribution to wildlife conservation.

Speaking on BBC Radio Shropshire, Tina Cook from Cuan Wildlife Rescue said: “We’ve been following Jamie’s progress since she entered one of our wildlife photography competitions back in 2022. Jamie was one of our winners in 2023 with an image of a Long Tailed Tit, and since that time she has won many awards, she has travelled around the world. Her photography, her social media platforms show us how much she cares for wildlife, which truly aligns with our values.

“She is really inspiring and helps to get young people, and the general wider public involved with wildlife, conservation, and environment. So for that reason we reached out to Jamie and her family and asked if she would do us the honour of being our Patron to help get as many young people involved in wildlife as possible.”

Jamie told the Brecon and Radnor Express she was “truly humbled and honoured” to have the opportunity.

“I'm so excited to work with them and I hope to help raise public awareness and education for all ages about the wonderful wildlife we have here in Britain,” she said.

“The work they do at the Cuan Centre is incredible and their compassion inspires me to want to help support them in every way I can."