AN award winning Bratton Clovelly artist will be cycling in the 2016 RideLondon-Surrey 100 all in aid of wildlife conservation.

Nick Mackman, the winner of last year’s David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) Wildlife Artist of The Year will be raising money for the charity that awarded her the top prize for her winning piece, a collection of ceramic warthogs, at the Mall Galleries in June 2015.

She said: ‘Winning DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2015 was one of the most exciting moments of my life but it comes with responsibility. We have to spread the word.

‘So I am taking this opportunity to combine my passion for cycling and conservation to raise as much money as possible for DSWF and to make a difference.’

Nick has been putting in the hours on her bike in the build up to the big day on July 31 and recently took part in the Dartmoor Classic Medio, a 67 mile ride across Dartmoor with 6,500ft of climbing.

She said: ‘I’m continuing to increase the mileage each week. Now my focus is on trying to find flatter routes so I do more pedalling and up my average speed. I actually snapped my chain off a few days ago. How’s that for hard training!’

DSWF CEO Sally Case said: ‘Every year our Wildlife Warrior fundraising volunteers play a critical role in raising much-needed funds to support our conservation projects in Africa and Asia working to protect some of the world’s most endangered and iconic animals.

‘We are immensely grateful to Nick and all our fundraisers for committing their energy and time on behalf of the charity.’

You can help Nick raise funds for DSWF by donating to her online fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/Nick-Mackman/

Pictured is Nick Mackman (left) with two fellow members of Team DSWF, Will and Sharon Oliver at the Mall, the finishing line of the RideLondon-Surrey 100.