Green Heroes 2009
Meet our Green Heroes for 2009. In BTCV's 50th anniversary year, it’s great to know that our volunteers and partners are as inspiring as ever.
Click on award title to find out more.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
WINNER! Bruce Maclennan, Inverness
Bruce's hugely positive approach, despite his learning difficulties, has been instrumental in making the Inverness Green Gym a warm and welcoming group for a wide range of people. He is a very regular volunteer, coming out in all weathers, and has a limitless enthusiasm for the work he is doing. He has made people with mental health and other issues feel welcome and accepted into the group, helping all the volunteers to work together and accept each other in a positive way. He’s shown that even people who may be viewed as 'different' have an important role to play in improving their local environment. He is also much appreciated as the team’s time-keeper, making sure the all-important tea breaks are bang on schedule!
Eastern, London & South East - Christina Wells, Oxfordshire
Christina has impressed us all with her dedication to getting the young people of Bicester excited about their local environment and inspiring them into action. Despite having a full time job, she regularly volunteers and co-leads for BTCV on the Bicester Green Pioneers Project and employee action days. And when not doing that, she is busy designing posters and sending out press releases, all helping to promote the opportunities for the young people to get involved. When leading a group she ensures that everyone has the opportunity to get stuck in, try something new and have a great time.
North East & North West - Steve Willmott, Central Lakes
Steve has volunteered with BTCV regularly for the past nine years, coming out five, six or even seven days a week! He leads the local midweek conservation group and is renowned for his innovative approach to problem solving – such as making a longbow to hoist a rope over a high tree branch to help with tree felling. His quiet leadership, and peaceful enjoyment of the countryside and the tasks he participates in, is an inspiration to others.
Northern Ireland - Stephen McCool, Derry
Stephen is the most experienced member of the Derry Conservation Action Team, which carries out practical environmental projects throughout Derry. He is very adaptable, from showing children how to make bird boxes to building a stone wall, from designing a competition garden to operating a chainsaw. He often leads the group and has been instrumental in encouraging other members of the team who may have learning difficulties to achieve their full potential. He has developed from someone who had low self-esteem and poor career prospects, to someone who is a natural born leader with a variety of qualifications under his belt, including tree felling and first aid. Within the team, he is seen as an example of what you can achieve and is a real inspiration.
Wales - David Clissett, Cardiff
Dave helps BTCV to run regular weekly practical conservation sessions for adults with learning difficulties. Despite having no previous experience, his enthusiasm and willingness have quickly turned him to what local staff describe as an 'ace volunteer'. He is always at hand to help with setting up and to clear up when others have gone home. He encourages and motivates the other volunteers to get stuck in and really brings up the atmosphere on a project. We are delighted that he has now gone on to get a job with an organisation that supports adults with disabilities, and even more delighted that he is still turning up as a volunteer, even after his shifts.
Western - Mike Taylor, Avon
'Ask Mike' is the catchphrase among the volunteers of the Avon midweek conservation group! Since retiring around five years ago, Mike has been volunteering with group two or three times a week, creating and improving green spaces around the area. As a former engineer, he has a wealth of carpentry and construction experience and is excellent at passing this on to other volunteers, helping to encourage and give confidence even to those who may never even have used a hammer before. He has great ideas and plans (always drawn up on the back of an envelope!) and is admired and respected by all those who work with him.
Yorkshire & East Midlands - Hayley Barrett, Skelton Grange, Leeds
Hayley volunteered full-time with BTCV for six months, helping to teach groups of children about sustainability and the natural world around them. In particular, she helped to run the Wild in the Woods project, teaching disadvantaged young people environmental and bushcraft skills, whilst also helping them to improve their personal and social interaction skills. On her own initiative, she developed a range of new teaching resources and activities which the centre continues to use. Whilst she has now moved on to other things, she continues to volunteer at Skelton on a regular basis and has inspired a number of other young leaders to get involved. She is an immensely positive, hardworking and enthusiastic individual and inspires all she works with, children and adults alike!
YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
WINNER! Shawn, Southwater, East Sussex
14 year old Shawn has changed the whole face of conservation in his local area, encouraging his friends to join groups largely made up of people aged over 50, to create newly inspired, inter-generational groups of environmental activists. It is fantastic to see the interaction between two sections of society that can often be quite suspicious of each other, and Shawn is highly respected and admired by his fellow volunteers. On a personal level, Shawn volunteers regularly with a number of groups. We believe he is the youngest trained Health Walks leader in the country, regularly leading walks as well as helping with the support and management of the programme.
North East & North West - Matthew, Lancashire
18 year old Matt regularly helps with practical conservation tasks in his local area. He inspires other volunteers by looking at the broader wildlife and environmental benefits of the work and sharing this expertise and understanding. He first joined BTCV as part of work experience for a course he was on, but is now an ongoing volunteer and is much appreciated for both his hard work and enthusiasm. He is very interested in his subject and wishes to impart this knowledge to others.
Northern Ireland - Garry, Belfast
Garry is aged 14 but is already a welcome member of Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland’s Green Gym, helping to look after green spaces around Belfast. He started with Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland last autumn as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award but has continued long after he achieved this because he enjoys it so much and is learning new skills. He is always encouraging and welcoming to anyone he works alongside, and is great at creating a friendly open atmosphere that inspires others to volunteer.
Scotland - Daniel, Glasgow
Daniel, aged 17, is a valued member of BTCV Glasgow’s Weekend Warriors and was also instrumental in setting up and running the Eco Group at Shawlands Academy in Glasgow. The group encouraged the introduction of recycling and water conservation with the school. He also supported the school’s conservation field trips, all of which contributed to the school gaining its Green Flag status. He is always happy to pass on information and to help new volunteers. His experiences with BTCV, and his own determination, mean he has now secured a place on a land management course.
Western - Antony, Exeter
Antony encourages and enthuses other young people to get involved and enjoy their days out with BTCV. He is a motivator, and often leads team building sessions with young people and teaches them bushcraft and social skills. He has been volunteering with BTCV for many years, and has a significant amount of time tucked under his belt! He is an integral part of the BTCV youth team in the Exeter area and provides them with invaluable support and backup.
Yorkshire & East Midlands - Nathan, Sheffield
Fourteen year old Nathan joined BTCV for a two-week work placement, but the experience has had a lasting impact on both him and others. Since then he has spread the word to all his friends and also joined BTCV at a public event, building insect boxes in Sheffield City Centre, where his enthusiasm helped to inspire other young people to get involved. His commitment has really impressed the local BTCV team and they are looking forward to welcoming him back during school holidays.
BETTER LIFE AWARD
WINNER! Liz Howarth, Norfolk
For many years Liz Howarth has suffered from depression, agoraphobia and other mental health issues while also trying to support a daughter with behavioural challenges. She says "life was full of dread, anxiety, depression, tears, worry and frequent trips to my doctor". Since starting with her local Green Gym, her life has changed. "My confidence and self-worth have grown and continue to do so. I feel a sense of purpose and the good feeling I get is benefiting my daughter". Liz has taken part in over 40 Green Gym sessions and is confident at passing on her skills to others. She is exceptional at recruiting new volunteers and has been interviewed for a forthcoming article in a national magazine.
North East & North West - Danny George, Lancashire
Due to a combination of mental health problems and mild epilepsy, Danny George suffered from a serious lack of confidence. Having overcome these hurdles to join his local midweek conservation group, he has gained a level 1 qualification in hedge laying skills. This achievement has helped to boost his confidence in his abilities to the point where he has been able to move into a house of his own. He feels very positive about the impact of this experience on his life and encourages others with mental health issues to volunteer with BTCV.
Northern Ireland - Sean Fowler, Bangor
Sean is an exemplary trainee on CVNI's Training for Success scheme, has achieved his Level 1 Certificate in Horticultural Skills and is on his way to achieving his dream of being a tree surgeon. However, he wasn't always such a star! His trainer, Bertie Fisher, says: 'When Sean started he was the typical class 'raker' - his lack of confidence was substituted for his willingness to make life difficult for his tutor! ‘ Now he has overcome his lack of previous education and low self-esteem to become a team leader and a real support to new and potential trainees. Bertie says: 'When I see the difference in Sean and the way he brings happiness to others, it reminds me why I became a trainer. He is making a better life for himself and his family, and is a real Hero.'
Scotland - Steven Young
Steven Young found that just getting to a BTCV task was extremely difficult. Intimidation by local gangs, including a vicious assault, made it hard for him to use public transport. Peer pressure and the breakdown of a relationship combined to undermine his self-confidence. Nevertheless, Steven persevered to attend regularly. His confidence has increased, and he has moved from being a bit of an outsider to becoming a key part of the local BTCV team, using his many skills to good effect. His communication and social skills have improved to the point where he is able to take on the role of a capable leader of other volunteers.
Wales - Martin Cogin, Cardiff
Following a head injury, Martin Coggin has worked hard to rebuild his confidence and physical co-ordination. Volunteering with BTCV has helped with his rehabilitation, and after much training he was recently offered and accepted a post of trainee with BTCV. He has led many groups on various projects, something he would have declared impossible when he first started. He has brought many volunteers to BTCV and always recommends the charity to friends and family.
Western - Malcolm Clarke, Exeter
After leaving the Marines due to ill-health, Malcolm Clarke retrained as a horologist. After being made redundant, he was unable to find work again. He lost fitness and put on weight. Dogged by health problems, his confidence was low when he began to volunteer with BTCV. Malcolm is now fitter, lighter - and an indispensible team member. Following training in leadership, first aid, manual handling and chainsaw work he leads teams and his confidence is high. He is very determined to get stuck in, to learn and to inspire others with his new passion for conservation, promoting the benefits of BTCV to potential volunteers and landowners at every opportunity.
DAVE DONOHUE AWARD for thinking globally, acting locally
WINNER! Chas Goemans, Iceland
Chas has used his passion for conservation to inspire thousands of people to help look after his adopted country of Iceland, but also to take the environmental message back home with them. He began volunteering with BTCV in the UK in 1988, and went on to lead a number of international conservation holidays. A visit to Iceland turned into a long-term stay and he now runs a volunteering programme in the country’s national parks, including supporting a number of BTCV holidays there every year. Volcanic activity is not normally included in risk assessments before practical conservation tasks, but for Chas it is all just part of the job!
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
WINNERS! All Saints School Green Gym, Leeds
These school children have been teaching the grown ups a thing or two! Their regular weekly environment sessions have made a huge impact on the school grounds, with activities such as growing vegetables, clearing a pond and planting spring bulbs and flowers. They have spread the word about food growing and healthy eating to parents, teachers and the other children, increased their knowledge and skills, and had lots of fun!
Many of the children involved have emotional problems, including low self esteem. The Green Gym has enabled them to feel ‘a part of something’, gain confidence in their abilities, make new friends and feel proud of their achievements.
Eastern, London & South East - Norwich Green Gym, Norfolk
This amazing group has made a significant impact on efforts to protect and improve Norwich’s green spaces. The volunteers are almost entirely new to both conservation and volunteering, and many have a history of mental health issues. The group also includes volunteers with visual and auditory disabilities, as well as restricted movement. Despite these potential barriers, the team has transformed Mousehold Heath into a thriving haven for rare species such as the Green Hairstreak butterfly. They have repeatedly tackled Himalayan Balsam along the River Wensum, preventing millions of seeds of the invasive plant from floating downstream towards the vital habitats of the Broads National Park. In Lion Wood, they have cut back huge laurels allowing light to reach the floor of this ancient woodland for the first time in 20 years.
International - Association de Chateau de Fressin, France
This local French community group has a ‘can-do’ approach that is setting the standard in the region for involving local people in their cultural heritage and local environment. The Association has responsibility for the local derelict 15th century chateau, looking after both its physical maintenance and a programme of educational and fun activities for locals and tourists. It has created an interpretative museum and visitor centre and improved the grounds through a series of medieval themed gardens, new performance areas and footpaths. Much of the work is carried out by volunteers, including groups on BTCV Conservation Holidays.
North East & North West - Witton Green Gym, Lancashire
This group of volunteers has been hard at work improving Witton Country Park, taking out invasive rhododendron and replanting areas with native trees and wildflowers. They have improved access to the park by creating and improving footpaths, installing kissing gates and improving signage. The group has a number of people with physical and mental health challenges, but they all have fun, as everyone is involved and included and valued for the work they can do. All this means people just want to come back again and again!
Northern Ireland - Derry Action Team, Derry
This group has shown 100% commitment to their local environment, carrying out hundreds of projects within their local community. The volunteers have braved all weathers to ensure that schools have their willow domes and local groups can enjoy their allotments. In Northern Ireland, getting people from all sides of the community to come together and work in all areas, is a significant achievement and this is what the Derry Action Team has managed. Politics and background is left aside, with volunteers focusing on the common purpose of getting the job done. Their commitment and loyalty is amazing, and they are hugely in demand as a great source of practical environmental help and advice across the community.
Scotland - Linwood Green Gym, Renfrewshire
The volunteers with the Linwood Green Gym have improved a number of local green spaces and also been great ambassadors for the importance of the work. The biggest challenge in Linwood was making local people believe that their environment could be improved and the Linwood volunteers have certainly tackled this! They have helped three local primary schools create outdoor classrooms, become guardians of the Linwood Community Woodland and look after cycle paths and the local trim trail, boosting their use by the community.
Wales - Hafod Deg Resource Group, Rhymney
The Hafod Deg group look after green spaces around the area, including transforming an unused and overgrown space into a community garden with flower and vegetable plots, raised beds for disabled users and a recreational area. This is a deprived community, with high unemployment, and a number of the volunteers have confidence and mental health issues to overcome. However, the group work as a team and take huge pride in their achievements. A number of the group have now gained qualifications and some are also discovering the health benefits of volunteering, including losing weight and lowering blood pressure. The group is quick to share its expertise and experience with others and is helping the whole community begin to appreciate the local environment.
Western - Green Club, Cornwall
The Green Club is a conservation group for adults with learning difficulties, giving them access to training and qualifications in practical gardening and environmental conservation. The abilities of the participants vary and for many it is the first time they have done any physical work. Typically, they haven’t had many opportunities to help others and show what they can contribute, and have loved this chance to show what they can do. At Tuckingmill Valley Park they have helped look after the pond, make new paths and coppice an area to encourage back the locally extinct Dingy Skipper butterfly. They have also helped out on local housing estates, planting trees and bulbs, weeding and litter picking.
PROJECT OF THE YEAR
WINNER! Garden of Eden Allotment, County Antrim
This allotment was established to involve residents of sheltered accommodation and people involved with a drug and alcohol rehabilitation group in practical work to improve their mental health. They have worked hard to create an allotment which is used to its full potential to produce home grown fruit and vegetables. It has improved the physical abilities of those involved by providing a means for gentle exercise, and fresh organic produce which they can take home. It has also improved their mental health by providing a safe social setting and a fun, relaxed working environment. Our thanks to Carrickfergus Borough Council which heavily supports the project, including resources such as a new shed, plants and an Elvis scarecrow! The project was initially funded by the Eastern Health Trust and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, but is now looking for further support – if you can help, please get in touch!
Eastern, London & South East - Essex Tree Initiative, Essex
Need 10,000 trees planting? That calls for some team work!
In this project, BTCV joined up with the Essex Tree Initiative to plant 10,000 hedging whips, recreating 2km of hedgerow on the charitable Marks Hall Estate. Most of the planting was done by members of the Essex Association of Boys Clubs joined by volunteers from the local university. A further 4km of rabbit and deer fencing were put in by a group on Community Service orders. The hedge will benefit a wide variety of mammals, birds and invertebrates, and the volunteers all went away with a better understanding of and appreciation for their local environment. Job done!
International - WWF Alpago, Italy
This project focuses on conserving and enhancing the vast wealth and natural beauty within the boundaries of the Communita Montana dell’ Alpago. BTCV volunteers on conservation holidays have worked alongside people from the local hill villages to re-build drystone walls, preserve a wildflower meadow and look after veteran trees and traditional fruit tree species. Their work is shared through the local natural history museum, involving many school children in the project.
Find out more about BTCV conservation holidays in Italy and around the world
North East & North West - RHS Tatton Show Garden, Cheshire
This silver-gilt award winning garden celebrated 50 years of conservation volunteering and the habitats and landscapes of the North of England that our volunteers help to maintain. It was the result of outstanding creativity and sheer hard work, only made possible by all the region’s staff and volunteers pulling together as a strong team. Wetlands, woodlands, heathlands, lowland wildflower meadows, orchards, drystone walls and food growing projects were all illustrated in the garden, which was visited by over 12,000 people. Nearly all of the elements will also go on to be reused elsewhere, including the donation of the pond and bridge features to local schools. A big thank you to funders the Mersey Forest and the Forestry Commission, and all our ‘in kind’ suppliers. More about BTCV@50 at Tatton Show.
Scotland - RBS Process Management Team, Jigsaw Garden project, Edinburgh
The Jigsaw Garden was originally created by BTCV Scotland for the Gardening Scotland Show 2008. With backing from RBS, the aim of this project was to recreate the garden at Caern House, a residential home run by Barnardo’s that provides overnight breaks for around 40 young people with learning disabilities. In just four days, the team of 42 RBS volunteers turned a barren area of open grass into fantastic wildlife garden, including a raised bog, a meadow, a woodland, a bug garden, a herbal garden and a vegetable patch. The children who attend the Caern Project now have a resource where they can learn about and experience minibeasts, wildlife and gardening. The RBS volunteers have also taken the knowledge they gained back to their own communities.
Western - Avon River Project, Wiltshire
Over the summer of 2009, Salisbury volunteers undertook a major project restoring and improving the banks of the river Avon. They have built out the banks using natural materials, encouraging water voles and marginal plants such as flag iris and increasing the flow of the river which will clear out silt and encourage spawning fish such as lamphrey and even Altantic Salmon. The project was a partnership between BTCV and Natural England, with funding from Heritage Lottery Fun, CSG Landfill and v Match Fund. Its unusual nature even led to a group of volunteers from The Netherlands coming over to lend a hand.
Yorkshire & East Midlands - Schools Team, Hollybush, Leeds
The School Project is based at BTCV’s Hollybush Conservation Centre in Leeds and carries out work in schools in and around West Yorkshire. In just one year, the team has worked with over 40 schools and 1,700 volunteers, creating accessible wildlife gardens, ponds, hedges, minibeast areas, growing spaces and outdoor classrooms. Through these tasks, the group’s aim is to increase environmental awareness of all those they work with, inspiring them to use the ideas and skills in their own homes, workplaces and communities.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIP
WINNER! Broxtowe Borough Council, Nottinghamshire
For 25 years, Broxtowe Borough Council and BTCV have worked together to care for and improve a number of sites across the borough. The Council’s backing has enabled BTCV to make a significant contribution, not just to managing habitats in the local parks and open spaces, but improving access and encouraging wider community involvement. Last year alone, the Council supported 59 project days across seven sites and the activities contributed to both Bramcote Hills Park and Collier Wood being awarded Green Flag status. The Council has also been particularly supportive in helping BTCV develop projects that are appropriate to volunteers, but also challenge and inspire them.
Eastern, London & South East - Essex County Council, Essex
Essex County Council has funded BTCV for over 15 years, and also helps us to create innovative projects that benefit both volunteers and local green spaces and inspire new people to get involved. Activities such as large-scale tree planting and training for probationers have only been made possible with their support and advice. They are great partners, happy to help in all aspects of our work from sitting on steering groups to hosting a BTCV 50th anniversary celebration at Essex County Hall. Together, we are proud to be helping to improve Essex’s biodiversity and giving people the chance to do something positive for their local environment.
North East & North West - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Lancashire
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has worked with BTCV over many years, recognising the value of volunteer involvement and helping us to develop interesting opportunities for local people. They support our midweek conservation group and host a number of BTCV conservation holidays. Recently, the close partnership has been invaluable in establishing a BTCV Green Gym at Witton Country Park, now one of the best attended groups in the country.
Northern Ireland - Belfast Trust Mental Health Occupational Therapy (OT) Services, Belfast
The OT Department at the Belfast Health Trust has worked closely with Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland to develop both the Mater and Shannon Green Gym projects, giving adults with severe and long term mental health issues the opportunity to get involved in practical environmental projects. The Mental Health team has helped BTCV to plan and deliver a flexible programme accommodating individuals’ needs and abilities, and regularly provides OT and nursing staff to support the groups. The Department recruits and refers people to the Green Gym and values the social contact, routine, confidence building and physical activity which this offers patients. Together, we have helped 226 people over the last year to take steps towards achieving the goals of their individual care plans and ultimately independent living. CVNI is now working with the OT Department on a performance study, showing the positive impact of the Green Gym on mental health indicators, which we hope will help mainstream the Green Gym within Mental Health Services in Belfast and across other Health Trust areas.
Scotland - Capital Shopping Centres/Liberty International, Renfrewshire
With the support of the Braehead Shopping Centre (part of Capital Shopping Centre/Liberty), the Renfrewshire Green Gym has been able to work with over 75 regular volunteers and improve more than 50 sites throughout the local area. The group now goes out three afternoons a week and recruits volunteers from all over Renfrewshire. As well as providing funding, the shopping centre team has shown a genuine commitment to its aims and even joined the volunteers for a practical session to experience it for themselves. The Centre has helped to promote the group by displaying posters and hosting promotional stands.
Wales - Flint Communities First, Wrexham
Flint Castle Communities First has been working with BTCV for over three years, supporting practical conservation projects in many deprived wards. The team always involves BTCV with any new communities they are working with, understanding the benefits of environmental work in bringing people together, improving attitudes, skills and abilities. They have worked with BTCV to create healthy, sustainable groups that will continue to improve their communities long into the future. Together, we have been able to show at a very practical level how our work can change not only the environment we live in, but the lives of those who work with us.
Western - Amber Trowbridge NVQ Team, Trowbridge
The Amber Foundation has worked with BTCV to help homeless, unemployed young people take part in volunteering and develop new skills and confidence. In 2008, BTCV set up a weekly volunteering session for Amber residents to get outside, take exercise, help the environment and work towards an NVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation. One year on and the partnership is stronger than ever, with more and more young people getting involved and plans to expand delivery and the range of qualifications on offer. These plans are steered by the young people themselves and make use of their own skills and experience.
