Undeb Aberystwyth is thrilled to announce that Cameron Anderson (Agriculture with Business Management graduate) has been shortlisted for the prestigious Tidy Wales Young Volunteer of the Year Award!
A tireless advocate for environmental action, Cam has spearheaded multiple student societies and green initiatives during his time at Aberystwyth. Beyond revitalising campus green spaces, he led the takeover of the Undeb Community Garden, transforming it into a thriving food-growing hub and guiding its official transition into a Students’ Union project. On committee for the Aberystwyth Conservation Volunteers, he upcycled materials into raised beds and bug hotels for the Living History Garden while helping secure a new glasshouse alongside Aber Phyte Club. As President of the Marine Conservation Society, he with his fellow committee, drove student engagement through beach cleans, dolphin surveys, and fundraising over £200 for the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre.
"Cameron is truly our society’s beating heart... keeping spirits high during weekly sessions while celebrating both long-standing members and new volunteers." ACV Member
Since 2024, Cam has dedicated weekly volunteering hours to Ysgol Plascrug, located in Ceredigion’s most deprived area for Physical Environment, giving hundreds of children hands on experience with nature. Across all weather conditions, he led pupils in building a composting area, planting town pathways, and putting down hundreds of bulbs and over 100 native trees. His work directly enabled Year 6 pupils to earn RHS School Gardening Awards 1 & 2, secured the renewal of Plascrug’s Eco Schools Platinum status, supported over £20,000 in PTA biodiversity grants, and was even featured on S4C’s Prynhawn Da.
"Cam has been like a committed staff member, yet unpaid... He leaves a wonderful outdoor learning legacy, and new links with the University." Adam Lewis, Eco Council Coordinator, Ysgol Plascrug
Whether sharing excess produce with Aber Food Surplus or introducing traditional "Three Sisters" planting methods, Cam’s strength lies in connecting students, staff, and the wider public.
"Cameron’s contribution to Aberystwyth has been exceptional. He is reliable, warm, and endlessly encouraging; a student who brings people together and lifts every project he touches." Lucie Gwilt, Head of Student Opportunities, Undeb Aberystwyth
“Cameron has been a real driving force at the community garden, full of enthusiasm, dedication, and good humour, inspiring other student volunteers to get involved and steadily transforming the site. They have built steps, sorted out the compost system, planted a wildflower garden, and experimented with various crops. They have also grown a lot of food at another site [Living History Garden].” Jane Powell, Penglais Community Garden Joint Coordinator.
Upon being informed of his nomination and selection for the shortlist, Cameron told us: "I am honoured to be shortlisted for the Keep Wales Tidy ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’ Award 2026. Supporting the Ceredigion local community by being part of sustainable food education, outdoor learning spaces, award-winning school projects and community engagements, is something I am passionate about. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to help improve and protect the local environment and to make a difference." Cameron Anderson
Everyone at Undeb Aberystwyth is incredibly proud of Cameron. We wish him the very best of luck at the Tidy Wales Awards ceremony in October!
Llongyfarchiadau, Cameron, a pob lwc!
