Newquay Student Wins National Environmental Higher Education Award

Published On: 2 December 2025Last Updated: 2 December 2025By CornishStuff

📷 Student Kelsey O'Shaughnessy from Newquay University Centre, winner of the Environment, Conservation, Game and Wildlife Manageme

A Newquay University Centre student has been recognised on the national stage after winning a major environmental higher education award.

National Award Win in Birmingham

Kelsey O’Shaughnessy was named the winner of the Environment, Conservation, Game and Wildlife Management category for higher education learners at the Lantra Landex Land-Based and Environment Learner of the Year Awards. The event was held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham and featured strong competition from learners across the country.

Ruth Martin, Head of Campus at Newquay University Centre, said: “This is an outstanding personal achievement for Kelsey and a moment of real pride for everyone at Newquay. Her commitment to environmental study and professional practice stands out, and it’s excellent to see her recognised nationally.”

Reflecting on the win, Kelsey said: “I’m incredibly honoured (and shocked!) to have been named the HE Learner of the Year in Environment, Conservation, Game and Wildlife Management at the national LBEL Awards. This recognition is both overwhelming and deeply motivating as I begin my journey in marine science. I’m grateful to Newquay University Centre and everyone who has supported me over the past three years. This award marks an exciting beginning to what I hope will be a long and impactful career in the field.”

📷Student Kelsey O'Shaughnessy from Newquay University Centre, winner of the Environment, Conservation, Game and Wildlife Management

Support and Continued Success for Newquay

Kelsey studies on the BSc Hons Applied Marine Zoology programme and will also receive specialist training of her choice, offered on the night by Dr Mark Nason, Head of Professional Practice at the Chartered Institute of Ecological and Environmental Management.

Her success adds to a growing run of recognition for the campus. It is the second year in a row that a Newquay University Centre student has taken the same award, following Felicity Jones’s win in 2024.

Ruth added: “For a small university centre to achieve consecutive wins in a category often dominated by larger land-based institutions speaks to the calibre of our students and the guidance they receive. It reinforces our reputation for producing capable, confident graduates.”

Alongside Kelsey’s achievement, fellow student Paul Reisberg also made the national shortlist, further highlighting the strength of teaching and learning at Newquay.