A NORTH-EAST youngster who ‘wants to be like Sir David Attenborough’ is leading the way as part of a record-breaking national green initiative.

Tristan Anderson, from Sedgefield, who is also known as Enviro-kid thanks to his extensive efforts to spread awareness of environmental issues, has signed-up to take part in 30 Days Wild with Durham Wildlife Trust, a national campaign that encourages people to engage with nature every day throughout June.

The nine-year-old, whose family are keen supporters of Durham Wildlife trust, runs his own website, YouTube channel, and a digital magazine which has been downloaded more than 1,000 times.

Last year for his birthday, instead of presents or a party, Tristan asked friends and family to instead donate to his sponsored silence. He raised £517.10, which he spent on buying and planting trees.

Tristan said: “I’m just trying to make a small difference in my own way. My favourite things to do are planting trees and litter-picking. I want to be like Sir David Attenborough and do good in the world.”

Tristan has been looking after the environment all his life, and set-up his YouTube channel at the age of seven. His efforts have even earned him a coveted Blue Peter badge.

Tristan is planning to go even further as part of the upcoming 30 Days Wild project, the UK’s biggest nature challenge, which has already seen a record-breaking number of people sign up to take part. Participants strive to do something wild each day in June, and can sign-up online to receive a helpful pack of ideas and materials from The Wildlife Trusts.

The Northern Echo: Tristan shows how to encourage wildlife in your garden by adding a hedgehog houseTristan shows how to encourage wildlife in your garden by adding a hedgehog house (Image: Durham Wildlife Trust)

Actor Cel Spellman, ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “30 Days Wild is a brilliant way to explore and develop our relationship with nature and to enjoy new experiences outdoors. Not just that, the benefits that time in nature has for our physical and mental health are quite amazing.

“I can’t wait to get involved this year, and I hope that people of all ages and backgrounds do the same. It's good for the soul and good for nature.”

Kate English, from Durham Wildlife Trust, said: “30 Days Wild is a firm fixture in our household calendar and it’s a brilliant motivator for getting outside and experiencing all the amazing things nature has to offer. The natural world is struggling but there are so many things that we can do to help.

“I really enjoy taking the chance to step back and enjoy the wildlife that we have worked hard to create habitat for in our garden, from bees and butterflies around the wildflowers to the birds nesting in our bird box, there is plenty to see.”

The initiative follows the successful Healing Nature project, a year-long plan by Durham Wildlife Trust that has seen a combined area of North-East landscape the size of 133 football pitches given a new lease of life.

Tristan added: “Climate change is really upsetting the environment, and everybody needs to start getting to work doing everything they can. We all need to recycle more, and we need to stop using pesticides, and plant more seeds and trees. 30 Days Wild is a great way to start making a difference.”