Eco-Metal pin for surrey wildlife trust with a badger illustration by ferne creative

Eco-Metal Pins for Businesses, Charities and Anyone Who Values Sustainability

Allowing for finer detailed designs and creative freedom, eco-metal pins are a great alternative to enamel. Manufactured in the UK with sustainable materials, they are an ethical alternative without compromise.

Illustrated Custom Pins Made for Memberships, Visitors and Campaigns

Whether your looking to create one of a kind membership rewards, visitor-centre merchandise, event giveaways or campaign badges, custom pins offer a meaningful way to connect with your community. They’re memorable, collectible and ideal for nature reserves, wildlife groups, charities and any organisation looking to create something lasting that supporters will want to wear proudly.

Eco-Metal Pins I Have Been Commissioned to Design

  • Limited Edition Membership Pin - Surrey Wildlife Trust

    The Surrey Wildlife Trust commissioned a pin after seeing my previous enamel designs but then opted for an eco-friendly alternative that is printed in the UK. We decided to feature the signature rolling Surrey Hills and the Badger that the Wildlife Trust is known for. These were limited edition freebies with membership to the trust.

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  • Event Pin for Trent Valley Way Walking Route - Trent Valley Trust

    After the launch of new walking routes along the Trent Valley Way, the Trent Valley Trust commissioned an eco-metal pin to give away at their event. Featuring a view down the river with signature waymarkers and a kingfisher sitting proudly.

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"We worked with Ferne to create illustrations for a pin badge design. Her illustrations are amazing, and she was incredibly helpful and great to work with through the whole process."

Carly - Marketing Officer at Surrey Wildlife Trust

  • What are Eco-Metal Pins?

    Eco-Metal Pins are a pin badge with sustainability in mind. Enamel pins cannot be manufactured in the UK and use non-recyclable metals and chemicals in manufacturing, but these eco-metal pins can be made from recycled, responsibly sourced or low-impact materials and often environmentally friendly finishes and inks.

  • Who are eco-metal pins for?

    Nature Reserves

    Wildlife Charities

    Eco-tourism Companies or sustainable travel operators

    Schools, colleges, and universities, museums

    Adventure or hiking clubs

    Businesses Needing Promotional Items


    Eco-conscious lifestyle brands and boutique stores

    Shops selling sustainable or nature-themed merchandise

    Festivals, expos, or conferences

    Hotels, lodges, and visitor centres in natural or protected areas

    Botanical gardens 

    Birdwatching, hiking, or gardening societies

    Environmental or wildlife volunteer groups

  • Inspiration for Custom Pin Designs

    Local wildlife species (birds, insects, mammals, plants)

    Seasonal species: spring butterflies, autumn fungi, winter birds


    Endangered species awareness pins


    Habitat-themed pins (woodland, coast, wetlands)


    Landmark or viewpoint illustrations


    Collectible “I spotted...” pins for species seen on-site


    Special event pins (Open Days, festivals, nature fairs)


    Anniversary or milestone badges


    Fundraising campaign pins


    Volunteer recognition pins


    Junior ranger badges


    School or youth group eco-achievement pins


    Pins celebrating local history or landmarks


    Logo pins with personality

Because Only a True Pin Nerd Could Make These

I’ve designed my own range of enamel pins for years, but my love for pins goes way beyond making them, as I’m a full-on collector too. My pin boards are filled with pieces from other artists, places I’ve travelled to, wildlife charities and a growing flock of RSPB pins I can never resist – often borrowing £2 off my partner for an extra one. Because I’m both a designer and an enthusiastic collector, I know exactly what makes a pin feel special, meaningful and worth collecting. 

Let's Create Some Funky Pins!

FAQ's: Everything You Need to Know About Commissioning Pins

How does the pin design commission process work?

Every relationship and commission is different, but typically, we have initial chats via email until a brief is supplied, and I can provide a quote. I prefer to speak via email so I can look back on everything we have discussed for the drawings. After the quote, I like a deposit, partial or full payment, before I get started to cover my artwork time, and I often send out a document to sign about usage and permissions. Once all that boring stuff is out of the way, I can get drawing, where I like to start with very ugly scribbly sketches to work out the pin design layout. From this point, you can make changes or give the go-ahead to progress with the design. I have a detailed style of drawing, so timescales are great, so I can make the most of my time. Once I have finished, I will send over more proofs to be approved, and once you are happy and payment has been paid, all the print-ready artwork can be sent over to the manufacterer.

What do I need to provide to start a pin design project?

First things first – drop me an email! A short brief is ideal, including the type of pin you would like, either eco-metal or enamel. Size is great, but we can discuss this further and any ideas and any reference materials or examples of styles you would like.

I am always happy to discuss initial ideas, even if you are not 100% decided on your direction yet.

Can I commission enamel pins instead of eco-metal pins?

Yes, I can happily design either type of pin and have experience with both manufacturers.

Can I have a detailed illustration on my pin or does it have to be in block colours?

The luxury of an eco-metal pin is that it is printed onto the surface of the flat metal. This means we can go as realistic as you like – but these are small designs, so not all will be visible as a large-scale drawing.

If you are wanting an enamel pin, we have to do block colours, as it is solid enamel, but detail can be added with metal lines or screen printing.

Can you design the backing cards too?

Yes, I love to do full packages so these can be designed at the same time to add your branding and any key details. Many manufacterers also can print these and pin your pins for you.

What are your illustration/design rates?

Prices vary depending detail and usage rights, but I am happy to provide a quote once I know more about your project.

Can you organise the manufactering of the pins?

Yes, this is an additional cost due to the admin time but I am happy to organise this for you.