WILDLIFE heroes from Worcester were among 31 honoured by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust at an awards ceremony to celebrate people who are helping wildlife across the county.
From community gardeners to social media influencers, each had received a nomination for doing great things for wildlife in their local areas.
Among those honoured at the event at Lower Smite Farm on January 30 was Susey Bamber. Susey has worked in Worcestershire as an agricultural advisor for more than 10 years.
Susey works with farmers to mitigate pollution, improve farm infrastructure and improve soil health. She has worked with more landowners in Worcestershire than any other advisor and gone above and beyond to ensure she has brought about a benefit to the wider countryside and its wildlife.
Enthusiastic bird lover and keen advocate of wildlife Paul Edwards was also awarded a prize. In his role as Community Officer for Fortis Housing, he has been championing green schemes in a variety of projects and has been instrumental in bringing about the creation two new wildlife areas which focus on provision for pollinating insects in Tolladine.
Zorah Cholmondley, Teresa Margetts and Trevor Margetts were praised for their leadership of the gardening club at St Georges CE School.
Last year they added several bird boxes and they have a small pond which the frogs visit, much to the delight of the children at playtime. The club has made several pollinator hotels and recently they planted 15 saplings of crab apple, hazel and rowan.
This year they plan to create a sensory garden which will include plants for pollinators, an area for nettles and other foodplants for caterpillars, as well as a hedgehog house and large bug hotel. They keep tidying over winter to a minimum, so that wildlife can find places to shelter through the colder months.
Rebecca Lashley was honoured for her work with the county’s Biodiversity Partnership which has delivered partnerships for biodiversity across all sectors.
Tony Kennell and Steve Dent from the Old North Stables Community Garden were praised for their efforts to create a community garden out of a disused space just off Pitchcroft racecourse.
As part of Transition Worcester, they are helping to educate the public about sustainable food production and wildlife-friendly gardening techniques.
Residents from Rowan Court and youngsters from Suckley School also were among the Wildlife Heroes who were presented with a certificate and specially commissioned pin badge by the director of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Colin Raven.
Sadie Carr Simons, organiser of the event, said: “These are the people who really are making a difference for wildlife – from the nine year old who inspires classmates and other young people or the farmer who allows the local school to visit his wildflower meadows to champions of green schemes in their area or groups of people determined to help wildlife in their community.
Nominations are now open for the 2021 awards. Visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-heroes or call 01905 754919 or e-mail [email protected] for more.
