The Green Volunteers’ Awards are an annual celebration of all the great things volunteers do that help to make Bristol a healthier, happier and greener place to live. Earlier this week, Bristol Green Capital Partnership was pleased to support Bristol Natural History Consortium (BNHC) to celebrate the 5th annual Green Volunteer Awards and present the winners of 2016 at The Station in Bristol.

Savita Custead, CEO of BNHC hosted the ceremony to an enthusiastic audience of over 150 people made up of organisations and individuals playing a key part in helping Bristol become a low-carbon city. Savita expressed gratitude for the overwhelming number of nominations they received as judges across charitable organisations recognised the amazing breadth of volunteering. The winners each received a certificate commemorating their award, as well as a plaque commissioned from wood cut from a local tree as part of conservation management.  The winners Green Volunteers of 2016 are:

Volunteers for Resources Award: Bristol Wood Recycling Project

Natalie Fee, City to Sea presented the award to BWRP for their inspiring work saving resources from waste and providing affordable timber to the local community.

“I’m so inspired by all the fantastic people and projects we’ve seen this evening. It’s incredibly heart-warming hearing individuals speak so truthfully and passionately about the change that Bristol needs – I’m proud to be part of a true, caring community in this city.”  Ben Moss, Bristol Wood Recycling Project.

Volunteers for Transport Award: Hilary Cooling, Lifecycle UK 

Ian Barrett, Sustrans presented the award to Hilary Cooling for outstanding work bringing communities together and encouraging older people to cycle and working with vision-impaired cyclists to reduce Bristol’s carbon footprint.

Volunteers for Energy Award: C.H.E.E.S.E project

Marieke Schmidt, Bristol City Council presented the award to C.H.E.E.S.E for their innovative thermal imaging technology that’s helping local residents reduce energy use in their homes.

Volunteers for Nature Award: Friends of Badock’s Wood

Ray Barnett, Bristol Museums, presented the award to FOBW, a group of local residents protecting and enhancing the local nature reserve dazzled the judges with their fantastic community spirit.

“Badock is a beautiful little wood in the north-west of Bristol. We help maintain and improve different habitats and encourage use from local communities. We have recorded over 40 different birds and many different plant species and I would recommend anybody come and have a look so please do come and see us!”  Mike Townsend, Friends of Badock’s Wood

Volunteers for Food Award: The Hungry Caterpillar Food Co-op

Gary Topp, Bristol Green Capital Partnership presented the award to the student-run volunteer group that offers organic whole foods at wholesale prices to fellow students. The judges praised The Hungry Caterpillar on their refreshing work with sustainable food that truly embraces Bristol culture.

The Inspiration Award: Pauline Getter of Wansdyke School

Ali Jenning, Bristol Water presented the award to Pauline for her selfless volunteer work that continuously supports and inspires those around her.

The Spirit of 2015 Award: Leyth Hampshire, Entrepreneurship student at UWE

Dominic Murphy of Cities of Service presented the award to infectiously enthusiastic, Leyth Hampshire for his passion and commitment. 19-year-old, Leyth has already co-founded Pelico, a fresh, healthy meals delivery service to revolutionise accessible organic food as well as fronting UWE’s sustainability schemes.

“I’m not one for material things but I’m ecstatic to have won this award – it’s great for your work to be recognised. I’ve lived in Bristol for less than 2 years, it’s an amazing city but there’s a lot of change that needo happen. I surround myself with inspiring students and we want to give the planet the help it needs – we’re the generation that will catalyse positive change. The battle for climate change has just begun and you’ll find me fighting in the front line!” Leyth Hampshire, UWE

It Doesn’t Stop Here Award: Frances Robertson, Friends of Badock’s Wood

Zoe Sear, Bristol 2015 presented Frances the award for her ongoing commitment and work that embodies the determination of taking Bristol European Green Capital forward.

Student Volunteer of the Year Award: Thomas Haines & Georgia Merrell, UWE SU

Emma Thompson, Bristol 2015 presented the award to UWE’s Greenspace volunteers Tom and Georgia for their relentless efforts looking after green spaces near French Campus to support local conservation.

The Working Together Award: Jonny Wood, Avon Widlife Trust

Vicki Woolley, Bristol Green Capital Partnership presented the award to Jonny for his tireless efforts in taking volunteering in a completely different direction with AWT’s Communities & Nature project. Jonny Wood and his team have improved wellbeing through engaging people with nature and involving them in practical outdoor activities to build social cohesion and improve local environment.

Keep an eye out for more updates and photography from the evening on BNHC’s website.

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