A teenage wildlife volunteer has been shortlisted in the prestigious BBC Food & Farming Awards for her work with the UK Wild Otter Trust.

Lily Herniman, 18, has been volunteering with the charity since she was just 15 years old. Her work has played a huge role in the charity’s recent rebirth, following the mammoth task of moving its entire rescue and rehabilitation operation to a brand-new centre near South Molton.

Using her great passion for nature and conservation, and with a strong background in farming, Lily volunteers at the centre three days a week.

She is one of their youngest volunteers and has played a key role in transforming and enhancing the wild areas at the trust’s new otter rehabilitation centre, helping with pond creation, tree planting and habitat improvement projects to create the best possible environment for the otters in its care.

When the UK Wild Otter Trust was told by its former landlords that it had just six months to fully dismantle its operation and move from the land it had called home for three years, the volunteer-run team (including Lily) and an army of supporters rallied to the cause to find a new home and reopen on a new site this summer.

Now, her dedication has been recognised on a national stage, with Lily named as one of just three finalists from more than 400 nominations.

Lily said: “I have always had a huge interest in wildlife and I was over the moon to be able to volunteer with the charity after I left secondary school. Since then, I have continued volunteering and my passion for otters has grown and grown.

“To be nominated for the award was surprising enough, but to be a finalist is unreal. Both are an achievement, and whatever happens, I will be forever grateful to have this opportunity and to see where it goes”

Dave Webb, founder and CEO of UK Wild Otter Trust, said he was thrilled to see Lily’s incredible efforts recognised nationally: “Lily has been with us now for almost three years, and her work has helped us achieve an even better understanding of the species and its habitats. As a rehabilitation centre, her input has helped shape the way we work and how we approach a range of different tasks.

“I would love Lily to win the award. Not only does she deserve it, but it would give her extra confidence, and of course she would be joining a prestigious group that has won in previous years.

“Even if she doesn’t win, it’s still a huge achievement to be placed in the final three from over 400 nominations and, as such, she should be, and we are, very proud of her.”

The BBC Food & Farming Awards celebrate the people making a remarkable difference to food, farming and the countryside across the UK, making Lily’s place among this year’s finalists an incredible achievement for both her and the volunteer-run UK Wild Otter Trust.

The winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 21, at an awards ceremony at Titanic Belfast, with head judge, chef and broadcaster Paula McIntyre.