Originally from the west end of Glasgow, Zakira attended Notre Dame High School in the city before graduating with a Bachelors Design degree from the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD), an art school that is part of the University of Dundee.

With a keen interest in graphic design and illustration, Zakira is set to bring some much-needed creativity to the RSNE project’s engagement channels, including its soon-to-be rejuvenated website, social media channels, newsletters and marketing materials.

Zakira is no stranger to the great outdoors having volunteered with Forestry Commission Scotland throughout high school and university and is looking forward to working with squirrel teams across Northumberland and Cumbria to protect the iconic mammal.

Talking about Zakira’s appointment, Heinz Traut, Red Squirrels Norther England Project Manager says: “I’m delighted to welcome Zakira to our RSNE team.  She already has some great ideas about how we can promote awareness of our red squirrel conservation work in the north of England by drawing upon her artistic ability developed during her degree studies at university.”