Royal recognition for the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens
The work of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens ?" the group of volunteers that helps maintain the countryside around Charlbury and right across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ?" has been rewarded by The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Known as the MBE for voluntary groups, this is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK, and recognises outstanding work done in their own communities.
Several of the Wardens live in and around Charlbury, with recent work parties having involved maintaining footpaths, repairing and replacing footpath gates, woodland management in Centenary Wood and elsewhere, and repairing dry-stone walls. The Wardens also lead the programme of local guided walks, as well as providing education projects about the Cotswolds AONB for local schools.
Founded in 1968, the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Martin Lane, Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, said, "The Wardens put in over 48,000 hours of work last year, across a diverse range of projects, so this award is a wonderful recognition of their dedication to this beautiful region."
To find out more about the Wardens and the work that they do, go to https://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/looking-after/volunteering/ or get in touch with Tony Merry, Tony Graeme or Simon Walker.
Simon Walker · Tue 5 Jun 2018, 10:27 · Link