Tree planting honours wildlife volunteers (From Ledbury Reporter)

Volunteers honoured at Tiddesley Wood nature reserve, Pershore

11:10am Friday 6th April 2012 in News

LONG-serving supporters of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust are having their hard work and commitment recognised as the organisation celebrates a landmark year.

A total of 13 of the trust’s volunteers, who have racked up a staggering 360 years of service between them, took part in a tree-planting ceremony at Tiddesley Wood nature reserve, near Pershore, marking 100 years of the Wildlife Trusts movement.

Among those honoured were Ray Bishop, of Malvern Link, a leading member of the trust’s Malvern group and a long-standing contributor, especially as an illustrator, to the organisation’s publications.

Mike Bretherton, of Redmarley, was also recognised for his contributions to the Bromsgrove group, the Trust Council and his years managing Feckenham Wylde Moor nature reserve, near Redditch.

The loyal volunteers will also be receiving special Centenary Awards at a celebratory garden party this summer.

Graham Martin, chairman of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s governing council, said: “These super volunteers that we are honouring with these special awards are an inspiration to us all.

“Volunteering can be hard work and, when you get home covered in bramble scratches from all the scrub you’ve cleared, you sometimes wonder why you do it. But you only have to talk to any one of our volunteers to discover that it’s very rewarding and, what’s more, you’re putting something back – helping wildlife and helping to give us all a brighter future.”

The trees planted on Monday will form part of a new orchard. For more information about the trust and volunteering,
Click here for details

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