MBE for wildlife crime expert

One of policing’s top wildlife crime experts has been recognised for 40 years’ service with an MBE.

Craig Fellowes joined Warwickshire Police in 1982, dealing with his first wildlife crime case in 1984 before becoming the force’s wildlife crime officer in the 1990s.

After his retirement in 2013, Warwick-based Craig began sharing his knowledge with others as a training consultant and has performed this role with the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) since 2022.

Head of the NWCU, Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, said:

“Craig has devoted his policing career to tackling wildlife crime and has raised awareness across the UK. He now trains police officers and volunteers to spot and tackle wildlife crime.

“Expertise in this area is hard come by due to the unique nature of the subject and I am delighted to hear the news that Craig has been recognised for his 40 years’ service.

“Craig is a perfect example of someone who gives his all in the fight against wildlife crime and the illegal wildlife trade. He has trained in excess of 10,000 people in the UK and across the world. Making this the focus of his policing career and beyond, he has taken the personal responsibility to share his knowledge and experience.

“On behalf of the 800 serving wildlife crime officers in the UK and colleagues in the NWCU, I would like to personally congratulate him on this recognition. This goes a long way to acknowledging the sacrifices he has made in an often difficult area of policing.”

Craig Fellowes said:

“I am extremely honoured to receive this award on behalf of all the species both nationally and internationally that are persecuted daily.

“I would like to acknowledge the continued and dedicated support from my family and particularly my wife, who has always supported me and put up with me throughout the 40 years. I could not have dedicated my time without her support.

“This is also for all the fellow police wildlife crime officers from forces up and down the country, and all of my colleagues within the NWCU who go above and beyond, always going that extra mile and mostly in their own time. Then there are all the partner organisations who dedicate their time to defend our wildlife. This includes colleagues and friends from the Badger Trust and other groups who dedicate themselves to helping to continue the fight to protect badgers against persecution.

“Forty years is a long time and I certainly would not have expected back in 1984 to be still doing this. Lots of things have changed but it’s the dedication of everyone and their commitment that have to be thanked. It’s not just me.”

Warwickshire Police Chief Constable, Debbie Tedds, said: “Craig Fellowes is a credit to policing and he couldn’t be more deserving of this recognition. His dedication has helped to drive forward efforts to combat wildlife crime across the country. Congratulations Craig.”