Director, PESTIVAL

Known as a naturalist with a sense of humour, Bridget has combined her passion for ecology, love for animals and her mission for as many people as possible to engage with the natural world in PESTIVAL, - an international three day free festival across the Southbank, London (09) about the art and science of being an insect.  Drawing on her talents as a writer, broadcaster and naturalist she demonstrated great imagination, leadership and tenacity in creating this diverse and unique celebration of insects and their impact on humanity.

Responsible for ‘everything’ from the artistic direction, partnership development and fundraising for PESTIVAL, Bridget generated £220,000 from supporters including the Wellcome Trust and The Japan Foundation (and more than triple that in in-kind funding).  The footfall at the Southbank increased by 30% during PESTIVAL with over 200,000 visitors attending. The exhibition achieved news coverage across 23 countries and reached a worldwide audience of over 10 million via www.pestival.org

Bridget’s growing national and international reputation as a passionate communicator of the natural world from a more culturally integrated perspective has seen her already recognized as one of the first Arts and Ecology practitioners.  She has worked for BBC2, The Discovery Channel, The Ecologist magazine and BBC Radio 3 and 4.  Bridget is also an experienced comedy writer and performer.

Awarded The First Art Fellowship of the Zoological Society of London, her mission is to develop an international zoo network whose aim will be to create new cross arts and science collaborations which engage with animals, the environment, insects and communities, as well as continuing to develop PESTIVAL.