Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s top accolade, a Gold Badger’s Paw Award, has been presented to Janet Antrobus, from Kendal, Ann and Philip James from Carnforth, and Ruth Carling from Kirkby Lonsdale.

Every year a select group of Cumbria’s top conservation volunteers are chosen by Cumbria’s dedicated wildlife charity, to receive the special award to thank them for their many years of hard work in helping and raising awareness of wildlife.

Janet Antrobus was chosen for her commitment to removing invasive plants along the River Kent and to volunteering as a botanical surveyor on many of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s restoration projects. Ann and Philip James were chosen for their work at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, particularly in welcoming visitors who come to see ospreys there. Ruth Carling was selected for her dedication to Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Kirkby Lonsdale Local Support Group.

Janet, Ann, Philip and Ruth have been presented the award by Stephen Trotter, CEO, and John Farmer, Chair, alongside six others, who were honoured at Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Annual Members’ Conference, held at Kendal Rugby Club on Friday (11 October). The awards were also presented to Laurence Carlyle, Sue Gibson, John Gorrill, Teresa Morris, David Stevenson and Alison Whalley.

Stephen Trotter, Chief Executive of Cumbria Wildlife Trust, paid tribute to their outstanding work, saying: “Volunteers play a vital part in making Cumbria Wildlife Trust a success. They help us to achieve our aims and we really value their commitment, support and hard work. It is fair to say that Cumbria Wildlife Trust was created by volunteers, is maintained by volunteers and will only be able to continue its work, thanks to its many volunteers. It is amazing how many people work so hard for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, in so many different ways, and for free. We are incredibly grateful to them all.”

To find out more about volunteering at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, go to https://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer.