Peak District group wins National Parks Volunteer Award

Above: BAFTA-winning adventurer, writer and television presenter Steve Backshall presented Peak District Mosaic organiser Yvonne Witter with the Group award.

A group of BME community mentors in the Peak District National Park have been named among the winners of the National Parks UK Volunteer Awards 2017.

The Peak District Mosaic group, a collective made up of individuals from BME (black and minority ethnic) communities around the Peak District National Park, were presented with the Group award in a ceremony held at Kendal Mountain Festival.

BAFTA-winning adventurer, writer and television presenter Steve Backshall presented Peak District Mosaic organiser Yvonne Witter with the Group award.

The prize included a £1,000 bursary from National Parks UK toward future volunteering activity and an eco-dry jacket from official National Parks UK outfitter Columbia Sportswear.

The Peak District Mosaic group give their time to mentor, increase confidence and encourage people from BME communities and those who have challenging social and community issues to access the Peak District National Park.

Peak District Mosaic organiser, Yvonne Witter, said: “It’s an honour to receive this award on behalf of the group and to know that our work has not gone unnoticed. We are passionate about introducing individuals from BME communities to the tranquility of the National Park – it’s a real haven.

“We have developed the Peak Wise training programme to introduce, develop and sustain volunteers we call Champions to engage in activities in the National Park, while spreading the word to their families and friends, so they can continue to explore and enjoy the Peak District for many years.”

Cllr Lesley Roberts, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “It is absolutely wonderful for the commitment and tireless efforts of the Mosaic group to be recognised in this way. Their time, energy and enthusiasm given in helping others discover the benefits of the National Park is truly inspiring.”

Kathryn Cook, UK Director, National Parks UK said: “National Parks UK recognises and rewards the transformative action made by our dedicated National Park volunteers through our Volunteer Awards. We are delighted to showcase just how incredible our volunteers are and are grateful for Columbia’s support and recognition of the importance of the work our volunteers undertake.”

The 2017 National Parks UK Volunteer Awards were supported by Columbia Sportswear and Natural Resources Wales.

For information about volunteering in the Peak District National Park visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/volunteering