Recognition for Aylesbury Vale's countryside volunteers

Archived press release

Date Published: 17/12/09

Countryside volunteers and the valuable work they do across Aylesbury Vale were celebrated at a special event this week.

Ten volunteers, who together have given more than 300 days service this year, were presented with certificates in recognition of their work by Councillor Janet Blake, Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council.

The presentations took place at Haydon Mill in Aylesbury, home to the council’s biodiversity team and BTCV (formerly the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers).

The award-winning volunteers, who are all members of the Vale Countryside Volunteers (VCV) conservation group, received platinum, gold, silver or bronze awards.

A platinum award is given to volunteers who have given over 40 day’s service, and this year the recipients were Sue Tebbutt, Adrian Bayliss, Geoff Clarke and Mike Richardson.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at AVDC, said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to recognise the work these particular volunteers do. The work of the Vale Countryside Volunteers has helped secure the future of many precious habitats and species throughout the Vale, ensuring that we and future generations are able to enjoy the beauty and variety of our landscapes now and in the years to come. I hope the awards will help to demonstrate to our residents that local groups and individuals can really make a difference and will encourage even more people to become involved in caring for their wildlife and the natural environment.”

VCV was set up to help improve the local environment and protect wildlife. The volunteers help in a number of ways, from hedge laying and woodland planting in the autumn and winter, to wildflower planting and wildlife surveys in the spring and summer.

The group was launched in 2003 by AVDC and two keen volunteers – Tony Talbot and John Dunn. With help from a £40,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the group purchased a minibus and tools.

Six years on, VCV has planted thousands of trees and over 3,000 metres of hedgerow across the Vale. The group has clocked up more than 17,000 volunteer hours since its launch, which has been valued at over £200,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tony Talbot, Leader of VCV, said: “Through their habitat and species conservation work, the volunteers are helping to create a legacy for future generations. We would welcome anyone who wished to join us and make a positive difference to the Vale’s wildlife.”

VCV meet every Wednesday and all tools are provided to volunteers. Members of the group work at their own pace and ability and no experience is necessary as training is provided.

For further information about the Vale Countryside Volunteers, visit the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure-culture or call 01296 427972.