Greenwood
news release
4 July 2007
Friends of Greenwood Awards Recognise Volunteers in Gedling
The Making It Museum in Mansfield was the venue for this year's Greenwood Community Awards Ceremony last Wednesday evening.
Nominations were received from many groups and organisations for environmental work carried out over the year 2006 working towards the creation of Greenwood, Nottinghamshire's Community Forest.
Cllr Wendy Golland, Vice Chair of the Greenwood Partnership Board presented the awards to community groups and individual volunteers, for outstanding contribution towards improving the environment.
Cllr Golland welcomed everyone to the event and thanked everyone who nominated volunteers for awards. She said: "Thank you to all the people who took the time to nominate individuals and groups this year for an award. I know that previous winners have been delighted that their peers, organisations and local authorities have noticed their hard work and dedication."
Over 120 guests enjoyed a review of achievements by volunteers and organisations presented by Colin Barson, Chair of the Friends of Greenwood Community Forum.
Ten awards were presented on the night to volunteers from all areas of Greenwood and will included awards for individuals and teams of all ages and abilities who take part in conservation tasks or work behind the scenes.
A highlight of the awards was the presentation of the Team Award to the Friends of Gedling House Woods. They have taken on the responsibility of the management of 10 hectares of woodland and 9 hectares of meadowland around Gedling House between Burton Joyce and Carlton on behalf of Gedling Borough Council. Last year the Friends organised the production of a new meadow management plan as part of the Local Nature Reserve application and have ensured that both the woodland and meadow management plans have been implemented.
They were successful in gaining countryside stewardship scheme funding for management of the meadow, and have co-ordinated visits by schools and groups to promote the variety of habitats and an understanding of the importance of this area to the local community.
Despite being next door neighbours with the local secondary school, they have maintained a relatively litter free site. Not the most glamorous task but essential and something akin to painting the Forth Bridge!
Colin Barson, Chair of the Friends of Greenwood Community Forum commented: "Volunteers are thrilled to get recognition for the hard work 'they do, but it isn't all about being recognised with an award. The whole evening allows us to get together and let all the other groups know what has been achieved and also gives us a platform to let funders and Councillors know what has happened first hand. "
Ends
Further information contact Gill Grievson, Community Liaison Officer on 01623 7582310r 07740845574.
Photo: David Faulkner, Friends of Gedling house Woods receives the Team Award from Cllr Wendy Golland.