Meet the Team: Megan Abbs

We are thrilled to welcome Megan Abbs to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation family as our new Senior Content Executive. Megan’s vibrant energy and fresh perspective are sure to bring a new dimension to our team, and we can’t wait for you to get to know her!

Megan joins us with a strong background in marketing, illustration, and design, combined with a deep-rooted passion for conservation. Her diverse skill set spans content creation, social media management, and both print and digital design, as well as video production. This blend of experience is something we’re particularly excited about, as it will help us craft engaging content that truly resonates with our audience.

With an undergraduate degree in Illustration, Megan has continued to develop her practice alongside her professional career. Her artwork expresses her deep passion for the natural world, with animals and wildlife serving as a primary inspiration. Having previously entered the Wildlife Artist of The Year competition, Megan’s connection with conservation art personally resonates with our mission and the legacy of David Shepherd.

Above all, Megan’s positivity, bubbly personality, and meticulous attention to detail will be invaluable as she evolves in this role. We’re excited to see her contributions to the team and can’t wait to watch her make a real impact.

Please join us in welcoming Megan to the team!

What attracted you to the role of Senior Content Executive at DSWF and how do you think it will differ from your previous roles?

The role of Senior Content Executive at DSWF immediately appealed to me because it offers the chance to channel my design skills into a cause I’m truly passionate about. Working in an environment that directly supports wildlife conservation is incredibly motivating, and I’m excited about the prospect of using my creativity to make a tangible impact. Compared to my previous roles, I see this position as a unique opportunity to blend my expertise with my dedication to meaningful, purpose-driven work. I’m confident that this will bring both professional growth and personal fulfilment, allowing me to contribute to something I believe in.

What aspects of the role are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to contributing my design skills to impactful campaigns which will boost engagement and support the foundation’s vital projects. I am equally looking forward to working with like-minded individuals for whom conservation and fighting wildlife crime are a shared commitment. This will be incredibly inspiring and rewarding.

How do you see the role of art in telling stories and as a platform for raising awareness of important issues, as DSWF does with wildlife crime and conservation?

I think that, given that DSWF was founded on the concept of art, something that sets us apart from other conservation organisations, this is incredibly important. Art has a unique ability to communicate in a way that words cannot, therefore the presence of art, in particular the Wildlife Artist of the Year competition is an amazing opportunity to combine art and conservation, offering a platform to highlight these critical issues in an engaging, expressive and impactful way.

What have your first impressions of DSWF, and the community been?

My first impressions of DSWF and the community have been incredibly positive. Having followed the community for some time and previously entered Wildlife Artist of the Year, joining the team has felt like a seamless fit. There’s an undeniable sense of warmth and a shared energy for consistent progression. It is clear that there is a united work ethic across this small but mighty team.

What has most impressed you with DSWF’s work and reach so far?

I am most impressed by the continued impact of Wildlife Artist of the Year. While I may be a bit biased, I truly believe it encapsulates the very essence of how the foundation began. It stands as a powerful reminder of the roots from which DSWF has grown, and it’s inspiring to see its ongoing influence.