A dedicated Lake District volunteer has received the coveted Bryan Stilling Award for his outstanding contribution to the National Park over the past 20 years.
Helton man, Tony Corbett started volunteering around 20 years ago and has tackled a range of important projects in all areas. But his main passion through the years has been in working to eradicate the prolific and invasive alien weed, Himalayan Balsam, particularly from the shores of Ullswater.
His persuasive personality has been put to good use as he has encouraged many others to join him in his ‘balsam crusade’. Already this year he has had around eight other supporters join him in a weekly work group to banish the weed, which amounts to 130 volunteer days throughout the summer months.
He says: “I enjoy my volunteering time with Lake District National Park and long may it continue. It’s been a fantastic way to meet other like-minded people and really put something back into this beautiful landscape.
“I’m greatly honoured to have received this award and would encourage anyone else who is thinking about volunteering to give it a go. You can invest as much or a little time as suits you and absolutely everyone can do something to help with the upkeep of our glorious national park.”
Tony received the Bryan Stilling award at the recent annual gathering of National Park volunteers.
Kerry Powell, Director of Communications and Resources for the Lake District National Park presented the award. She said: “We were delighted to award this to Tony. He has been such a help to us over the years and an absolute inspiration to his fellow volunteers with his determined and positive outlook. It’s really very well deserved. Thank you Tony for everything you have done for us so far.
“We’d also like to thank each and every one of our team of dedicated volunteers who have helped to preserve and enhance the Lake District National Park over the past year. Well done all.”
Find out more about how you can get involved here: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/caringfor/volunteering
