I go by several names depending on who I’m with and what I’m doing. For my environmental work I’m known as Action Nan – taking part in regular litter picks and sharing content with my almost 7k following. I’m also the owner of award winning Bosinver Farm Cottages where I’m known as Nanny Pat. To everyone else, I’m Pat Smith. No matter who I am, my passion for the natural environment not only in Cornwall but across the world is at the centre of everything I do. I try to share my love for the natural world with my four grandchildren and guests’ children so they can experience the same joy and wonder of nature in the hope that they will also love and take care of the environment in their turn.
As David Attenborough says:
“No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they have never experienced.”

Hello! My name is David and I’m very lucky to have had my whole (short) career so far in the sustainable and conservation sectors, currently at a London University. I’m probably the definition of an imperfect environmentalist, and decided to transform my own micro-Instagram World into documenting my own ever learning sustainable journey a few years ago. With long-walks, the odd painting and commission and a love of wildlife that pretty much sums me up! It started with Instagram in 2020, during the first covid lockdown. I always used social media, but on a personal level mostly just selfies or my paintings (and to some extent it still is!).

In 2020, during the pandemic, small businesses were really struggling and there were lots of calls to support local businesses more. Plus, there were also BLM rallies going on and I heard lots of speakers asking for us to buy from Black-owned businesses. It all made me realise my money could have a much bigger impact if I chose to spend it with businesses who represent my personal values, rather than with the big chain companies who we all know are doing horrendous, unethical things.
I then started researching better places to buy from, better companies to support. I already boycotted Amazon and Shein, but now I was looking for a sustainable option every time I went to buy something new. And I thought, more people need to know about these sustainable companies!