Fifteen tireless wildlife volunteers have received the Gold Badger’s Paw Award from Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
The award honours the contributions of individuals to Cumbria’s wildlife through volunteering.
A ceremony was recently held at the Trust's volunteer gathering at The Brathay Trust on Windermere to recognise these selfless conservationists.
Ruth Alcroft, volunteer manager at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “Meeting this year’s Gold Badger’s Paw recipients has been inspirational.
"So many of them have been working for nature for many, many years in such a huge variety of roles – not just the digging and planting you might expect, but from collecting data that has changed the way we do things, to mowing the grass on our smallest nature reserves, to winning hearts and minds in the way we educate people about conservation.
"It shows we can all make a difference, whatever our skills and interests.”
Volunteers tried their hand at whale boating (Image: Cumbria Wildlife Trust)
South Cumbria/North Lancashire winners are Matthew Cookson of Allithwaite, Pete Burton of Askam-in-Furness, Margaret Evans of Oxenholme, Claire Gillham and Sue Venfield of Kendal, Nigel Gilligan of Broughton-in-Furness, Ian Grundy of Lancaster, Jackie Hooley of Sedbergh, Joan Hunter of Preston, Alan Jackson of Ambleside, Tony Mayo of Ulverston, and Julia Sier of Arnside.
From Central/North Cumbria, Gareth Browning of Cockermouth, Dr John Lackie of Aspatria and Jackie Oglesby of Penrith were honoured for their dedication.
Around 600 people volunteer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust in various capacities, from plug-planting, monitoring species and beach cleans, to administration and marketing roles.
The volunteer gathering not only celebrated their aid, but also offered an opportunity to try out whale boating on Windermere and partake in a book club.
Attendees also learned how to best utilise their phones for nature photography and indulged in exploring local birds, flora and ferns.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust recognises the critical work of these local champions.
Interested locals are encouraged to join the Cumbria Wildlife Trust volunteer team.
For more information, visit www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk.
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