Paige, 9, is a wildlife champion

At just nine years old, Paige Bavin from Bardney founded the Walk 4 Wildlife initiative - inspiring children to take action for the planet. 

Paige and her friends walked hundreds of miles and raising an amazing £9,774 for Dogs 4 Wildlife, helping to protect endangered animals and support conservation across Africa.

Paige’s passion for conservation has already raised thousands for Dogs 4 Wildlife, a pioneering not-for-profit organisation, training specialist conservation dogs to fight poaching and wildlife crime in Southern Africa. 

The Walk 4 Wildlife campaign united children nationwide throughout August and September as Wildlife Warriors turning their footsteps into lifelines for threatened species. Together, they walked hundreds of miles, with each step deepening their connection to nature. 

Every penny raised will directly fund the training of elite conservation canines that protect rhinos and elephants in Southern Africa from the devastation of poaching and wildlife crime. 

Paige’s fundraising mission for Dogs 4 Wildlife began in December 2023 when she braved freezing weather to walk two miles every day, raising funds and awareness for

wildlife. Her determination, supported by a successful raffle and community effort, even earned her a heartfelt letter from Sir David Attenborough.

“I wanted to help save the rhinos,” says Paige. “When I heard how many are dying because of poaching, I knew I had to do something. I love animals- especially rhinos and dogs and I want to stop the poachers. 

“I hope Walk for Wildlife will help raise enough money to train more dogs and get them to Africa so they can protect the rhinos.” 

Paige’s mother, Lisa Bavin, added: “Seeing Paige turn her love for animals into real action has been incredible. She’s proof that age doesn’t limit impact.”

Dogs 4 Wildlife Founders Jacqui Law and Darren Priddle praised Paige’s efforts: 

“Paige is a true inspiration. She’s showing that young people have the power to shape the future of conservation. Every step taken brings us closer to a world where wildlife can thrive.”

With rhino poaching still claiming more than 1,000 lives in Southern Africa over the past two years, the work of Dogs 4 Wildlife and the passion of young changemakers like Paige and the Walk 4 Wildlife young fundraisers has never been more vital. 

The Walk 4 Wildlife movement returns in 2026, calling on even more young conservationists to step up, walk proud, and protect our planet’s most vulnerable species.

To support Paige's cause and contribute to the protection of rhinos and find out more about Walk for Wildlife please visit Paige’s dedicated Facebook page Just A girl Mad About Rhinos.

The total amount raised was match funded by Lloyd & Whyte Specialist Insurance Services. 

Pictured above are Paige (right) and friends during the Walk for Wildlife fundraising campaign. Photography: Kerry Hotchin

Pictured below are Paige and other Wildlife Warriors during their  walks.