Conservationists awarded for green efforts

Friday 02 August 2019

From leading buzzing projects to help the bees to educational initiatives helping children embrace their ‘wild’ side, local conservationists have been recognised for their green efforts.

While the annual ‘Parish in Bloom’ competition might be known for its floral focus, this year’s recent awards dinner at the L’Horizon also paid tribute to some of the island’s top nature protectors.

Volunteer Sue Ashford received a Silver Award on behalf of the National Trust's walled garden at The Elms in St. Mary - a project recognised for combining good gardening practice with simple ways of improving environmental efficiency and nature conservation.

Pictured: Simple things go a long way to helping wildlife.

Stephen Le Quesne was also a recipient of a Silver Award, having thrown himself into environmental education with enthusiasm and passion.

Stephen teaches his 'Wild Days' primarily at Mont Nicolle School where he teaches children about conservation in the hope of leaving them with a positive attitude towards the environment.

The Island's Pollinator Project, which aims to provide a helpline for struggling biodiversity through bee and insect-friendly plants, also won Gold. One of the group's administrators, Nina Cornish, accepted the award on behalf of the project. 

Pictured: A Pollinator patch planted by the Pollinator Project.

According to Natural Jersey Chairman Mike Stentiford, the project is "quickly capturing the imagination and support of islanders within so many of our parishes clearly emphasises what can be environmentally achieved by collective determination."

Last but not least, the Jersey Conservation Volunteers won "top gold honours" and the 'Mike Stentiford Environmental Award 2019'.

The 40-years-young initiative has been "hugely successful", according to Mr Stentiford, as it continues to take on restoration projects and aids other local conservation charities.

Pictured: The awards were handed out during a celebratory dinner at the L'Horizon.

Co-ordinator Julia Cilvely accepted the award, which recognised "the immense benefits to wildlife and to the islands many habitats this group of volunteers regularly offer."

Speaking following the awards, Mr Stentiford said the four award-winners highlight the "remarkable diversity of environmental initiatives continually being undertaken by local voluntary groups and individuals."