Volunteers at Natural England’s Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve have picked up a ‘Caring for your environment’ award.
The County Durham Environment Partnership, which is made up of various partners including Durham County Council, gives the awards to people or groups who are committed to protecting and improving their local surroundings.
The group from Castle Eden Dene work all year round in various locations carrying out practical land management work and helping out with events.
Volunteers help members of staff keep the paths around the reserve open, removing unwanted species, replacing fencing and removing litter and flytips.
Other activities they get involved with include carrying out regular health walks around the Dene, identifying fallen trees, reporting antisocial behaviour and measuring water quality in the river as well as advocating the organisation’s work in the local community.
Oliver Sherratt, chair of the coastal, heritage and landscape group of the County Durham Environment Partnership, said: “It is great to see groups like this devote themselves to helping make a real difference to their environment – I hope their passion and dedication serves as an inspiration to others.
“Their efforts shouldn’t go unnoticed so it’s a pleasure to be able to present them with a ‘Caring for your environment’ award.”
To find out more about the County Durham Environment Partnership visit www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk, email environmentpartnership@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 266 099. You can also look out for #altogethergreener on Twitter.
To find out more about Castle Eden Dene search for Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve on Facebook.