Badger Trust Wildlife Crime Manager Craig Fellowes MBE wins the prestigious Clark R Bavin Award at CITES COP20.

Craig Fellowes, MBE, Wildlife Crime and Training Manager at Badger Trust and the National Wildlife Crime Unit, has received the Clark R Bavin Award for his long and distinguished career, which includes developing and delivering CITES enforcement training courses attended by thousands of law enforcement and customs officers in the UK and internationally, as well as coordinating the seizure of significant quantities of trafficked wildlife products. 

At the award ceremony held at COP20 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the Secretary-General of CITES said, "We are pleased to present a 2025 Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award to Craig Fellowes, MBE, wildlife crime and training manager of Badger Trust and the National Wildlife Crime Unit in the United Kingdom." The award was accepted on Craig’s behalf by Dr Mark Jones of the Born Free Foundation, pictured.

Craig said "It is an extreme honour and privilege to receive this award. I am greatly honoured to receive the recognition for all the work, but it’s not just about me. It’s for everyone in this country and across the world that fights to protect our valuable resources every minute of every day. I would like to also recognise the support of the Badger Trust and National Wildlife Crime Unit whilst accepting this award."

Nigel Palmer, Badger Trust, said

"We are delighted that Craig has received an award in recognition of his dedication to combating wildlife crime. We are proud of his achievements, including training every Police Force in the UK on wildlife crime and the passion and commitment he shows every day to stamp out crime against badgers and all wild animals.

People use the word 'legend' too readily today, but in Craig’s case, it is true, and he is much trusted and respected by police, other services, and wildlife groups throughout the UK. We are proud to say he is part of our team at Badger Trust."