Sophie Pavelle: A Powerful Voice for Nature, Science and Storytelling in Britain

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In an age of climate anxiety, biodiversity loss and public disengagement from science, Sophie Pavelle has emerged as one of Britain’s most compelling and trusted voices for nature. Blending scientific rigour with lyrical storytelling, she has built a career that spans zoology, conservation communication, award-winning books, documentary filmmaking and public speaking. Her work does not simply inform; it invites readers and audiences to care, to notice, and to act.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Education: Building a Foundation in Science

A Passion for Nature from an Early Age

Growing up in England, Sophie Pavelle developed a deep connection to landscapes, wildlife and the natural world. This early curiosity shaped her academic choices and later defined her professional mission: to reconnect people with nature in a rapidly changing climate.

to have or to hold sophie pavelle

Academic Journey in Zoology and Science Communication

Sophie Pavelle studied Zoology (BSc) at the University of Bristol, graduating in 2017 with First Class Honours. During her degree, she developed specialist interests in pollinator ecology and veterinary parasitology, grounding her future work in strong biological science.

She went on to complete an MSc in Science Communication at the University of the West of England, achieving a Distinction in 2018. Her master’s dissertation, Into the Digital Wild, examined how social media platforms can be used effectively for science and environmental communication. The research was later published in an academic journal and presented internationally, highlighting her ability to bridge academic research and public engagement.

Professional Career: From Research to Public Impact

Science Communicator and Writer

Sophie Pavelle works as a freelance science communicator, collaborating with conservation organisations, media outlets and cultural institutions. Her writing has appeared in major British and international publications, where she is known for accessible, emotionally intelligent nature writing that avoids jargon while remaining scientifically accurate.

Her work often focuses on overlooked species, fragile ecosystems and the human responsibility embedded in environmental stewardship. This distinctive approach has positioned her as a leading voice in contemporary British nature writing.

Podcasting and Public Engagement

Sophie Pavelle is also a co-host of the climate and sustainability podcast “For What It’s Earth”, where complex environmental issues are explored in an engaging, honest and often light-hearted way. The podcast reflects her belief that science communication should be inclusive, conversational and grounded in lived experience.

Beyond writing and audio work, she is a regular public speaker at literary festivals, universities and science events across the UK, delivering keynote talks and seminars on conservation, storytelling and digital engagement.

Books by Sophie Pavelle: Giving Voice to the Overlooked

Forget Me Not: Finding the Forgotten Species of Climate-Change Britain

Published in 2022, Forget Me Not marked Sophie Pavelle’s debut as a book author and was met with widespread acclaim. The book explores Britain’s often-ignored species, weaving together fieldwork, travel, climate science and personal reflection.

forget me not sophie pavelle

Rather than focusing on iconic animals alone, the book draws attention to plants, insects and ecosystems that are quietly disappearing. Its success lies in its ability to make environmental loss feel local, personal and urgent without resorting to alarmism.

The book went on to win a major national non-fiction prize in 2023 and was longlisted for a prestigious conservation writing award, cementing Sophie Pavelle’s reputation as a significant new voice in nature literature.

To Have or To Hold: Nature’s Hidden Relationships

Her second book, To Have or To Hold, was published in May 2025. This work delves into the intricate relationships that sustain ecosystems, exploring interdependence, symbiosis and the delicate balance between species and habitats.

Written during a period of extensive travel, cycling and field observation across Britain, the book reflects a more mature, reflective phase of her writing. It connects ecological relationships with human ones, asking what it truly means to care for the natural world rather than simply possess it.

Film and Documentary Work

Beavers Without Borders

Sophie Pavelle worked for several years with a leading conservation charity, where she co-wrote and presented the documentary Beavers Without Borders. The film explored wildlife restoration and cross-border conservation efforts, gaining international recognition and film festival awards.

Recovering the Rainforest

In 2024, she scripted and narrated Recovering the Rainforest, a documentary produced for a major UK conservation organisation. The film won an award for environmental storytelling and highlighted Britain’s rare temperate rainforests, reinforcing her role as a trusted interpreter of complex ecological issues for general audiences.

Leadership, Advocacy and Conservation Roles

Sophie Pavelle’s influence extends beyond media and publishing. She serves as:

An Ambassador for a national network of Wildlife Trusts
A committee member of a major bird conservation organisation’s England advisory board
A Trustee for a UNESCO-recognised city of literature

These roles demonstrate her commitment not only to communication but also to governance, advocacy and long-term cultural change within the environmental sector.

Personal Life: Age, Marriage and Values

Sophie Pavelle Age

Sophie Pavelle was born on 17 December 1995 and turned 30 in December 2025. While she maintains a professional public presence, she shares personal milestones selectively and thoughtfully, often framing them through the lens of nature and community.

Sophie Pavelle Husband and Marriage

She married her long-term partner in August 2023. The couple met as teenagers during outdoor training in Dartmoor and have shared a deep connection to landscapes, wildlife and rural life ever since. Her husband, Jacob, is occasionally mentioned in her writing, particularly in relation to shared cycling and outdoor experiences.

sophie pavelle husband

Her reflections on marriage emphasise community, resilience and collective joy rather than tradition or spectacle, aligning closely with her environmental philosophy.

Public Image and Online Presence

Sophie Pavelle maintains an active presence across social media platforms, where she shares insights into writing life, fieldwork, conservation campaigns and everyday encounters with nature. Her tone is informal, thoughtful and often humorous, helping to demystify science and environmentalism for wider audiences.

She is widely regarded as authentic, approachable and principled, qualities that have contributed to her growing readership and following.

Why Sophie Pavelle Stands Out in British Environmental Writing

What sets Sophie Pavelle apart is her ability to:

Combine scientific expertise with emotional intelligence
Centre lesser-known species and habitats
Write with urgency without despair
Frame environmental care as a shared, human responsibility

Her work speaks to readers who may feel overwhelmed by climate news but still want to understand, engage and contribute positively.

Conclusion

At just 30 years old, Sophie Pavelle has already built an impressive body of work across books, journalism, film, podcasts and conservation leadership. Her career reflects a new generation of science communicators: interdisciplinary, values-driven and deeply connected to place.

As environmental challenges intensify, voices like hers will play a crucial role in shaping how society understands nature, responsibility and hope. Whether through Forget Me Not, To Have or To Hold, or her ongoing public engagement, Sophie Pavelle continues to remind us that noticing is the first step toward caring — and caring is the beginning of change.

FAQs

1. Who is Sophie Pavelle?

Sophie Pavelle is a British zoologist, science communicator, author, documentary narrator and podcaster based in Devon, England. She is known for her work on climate change, biodiversity and conservation storytelling, combining scientific expertise with accessible, human-centred writing. She is also a co-host of the climate and sustainability podcast For What It’s Earth.

2. How old is Sophie Pavelle?

Sophie Pavelle was born on 17 December 1995 and turned 30 years old in December 2025.

3. Is Sophie Pavelle married?

Yes, Sophie Pavelle is married. She married her long-term partner Jacob in August 2023. The couple met as teenagers while training outdoors in Dartmoor and share a strong connection to nature and rural life.