Wildlife volunteers and conservationists have been recognised for their work with awards.
They were given Gold Badger’s Paw Awards by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, in recognition of their tireless support for the county’s wildlife and wild places.
It is the charity’s long-standing volunteer award which recognises outstanding contributions to Cumbria’s wildlife, through volunteering.
The ceremony was held at Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s recent Volunteer Gathering at The Brathay Trust on Windermere.
Ruth Alcroft, volunteer manager at Cumbria Wildlife Trust and event organiser, 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.”
Among the 15 award winners were Matthew Cookson (Allithwaite), Pete Burton (Askham-in-Furness), Margaret Evans (Oxenholme), Claire Gillham (Kendal), Nigel Gilligan (Broughton-in-Furness), Jackie Hooley (Sedbergh), Alan Jackson (Ambleside), Tony Mayo (Ulverston), Julia Sier (Arnside), Sue Venfield (Kendal), Gareth Browning (Cockermouth), Dr John Lackie (Aspatria) and Jackie Oglesby (Penrith).
The gathering was a day of celebrations to thank the volunteers for their hard work.
Around 600 people are actively involved with volunteering for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, in many different ways, from plug-planting, monitoring species and beach cleans, to office-based roles, including administration and marketing.
