Nominate your National Park heroes

UK National Parks are calling for nominations to the Volunteer Awards 2016.

The annual awards celebrate the hard work and commitment of people who regularly give their time to help protect the Peak District and 14 other national parks in Britain.

Clr Lesley Roberts, chair of the Peak District National Park, said: ““The Volunteer Awards are a great way of saying “thank you” to the wonderful people who have gone above and beyond in helping to look after the environment and heritage of their area.

“I hope the public will take this opportunity to nominate those dedicated individuals who give up their time to support the Peak District National Park in so many ways.”

Around 400 volunteers give around 60,000 hours every year in the Peak District to care for the landscape and help others enjoy the National Park.

Volunteers being nominated can range from school children to those who have offered decades of service, from the individual who helps mend walls, to the organisation helping with conservation projects.

The awards will be given in four categories:
• Individual (over 25 years old)
• Young person (under 25 years old)
• Group
• Volunteer project

Winners of the Group and Project awards will receive a £1,000 bursary to help towards future volunteering activity. The winning individual and young person will each receive outdoor gear.

To nominate a deserving individual, young person, group, or project visit: www.nationalparks.gov.uk/volunteerawards

The deadline for nominations is midnight on Friday September 23. The winners will be announced in November.

To find out about volunteering in the Peak District National Park, visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/volunteering