Wildlife Trust recognises those taking action for wildlife on their doorstep

After a year which has challenged many to re-evaluate what is important in their lives and which has, for many underlined the value of people having access to natural greenspaces on their doorstep Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is delighted to announced the successful nominees in the charity’s 2020/21 Wildlife on Your Doorstep Awards supported by EDF.

Wildlife trust Friends of the Hook

For over a decade, the awards have been recognising and rewarding actions taken by individuals, groups and organisations to protect and promote wildlife in their local communities. Over the past year many people have continued to find the time and energy to put nature first despite the challenges we’ve all faced due to the pandemic and restrictions during successive lockdowns.

Speaking about the awards Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive Paul Wilkinson said: “One of the positives to come out of the past year has been people’s increased appreciation of the natural world and wider recognition of the role nature plays in sustaining us and enhancing our wellbeing. We’ve been delighted with the response to the Wildlife on Your Doorstep Awards and it’s great to see that people across the county have been putting nature first in extremely challenging times.”

The winners of the 2020/21 Wildlife on Your Doorstep Awards are:

5-year-old Ariadne Van Krimpen who regularly collects litter from her local park and streets near her home in Beeston – whatever the weather. She already plans to become a marine conservationist and regularly encourages her family and friends to be kinder to wildlife.

Retford based lawncare expert Ian Stephens who champions the benefits of nature for health and encourages his customers to appreciate the wildlife around them.

St John the Baptist Church of England School, Colwick who promoted a range of weekly outdoor activities and nature challenges through last year’s lock down.

Michael Trendall of Strelley who goes out of his way to help ensure toads make it safely across the road on a key migration route each year.

Ravenshead Church of England Primary School which has developed a new outdoor learning area from a previously out of bounds area of woodland during lockdown to encourage children to learn about nature. With the help of parents, the area was quickly restored after damage caused by heavy snow.

Nadia Ming of Newark who has been helping to safeguard the toad population that crosses Barnby Road and monitors local planning applications for possible impacts on amphibians.

Friends of the Hook – This dedicated volunteer group care for this popular community greenspace in the Lady Bay which has become a place of solace for many new visitors during lockdowns. Despite significant challenges the Friends have carried out a range of improvements including significant tree planting and wildflower planting and expanded their wildlife monitoring programme.

Speaking on behalf of the award sponsors EDF Training Lead Steve Walker said: “We care about our local community. We are proud to work in partnership with the Wildlife Trust and fully support the excellent work they do. We take an active interest in the local wildlife and meet regularly with members of the local community to discuss and share action that is taking place in our neighbouring towns and villages”.