With over 400 amazing volunteers it is always hard to pick out just a small number to celebrate each year. We are hugely grateful to everyone who dedicates their time and skills to the Trust – we absolutely couldn’t achieve all that we do without you. 

We received a large number of nominations from both staff and volunteers this year and the following four people have been selected, this year, to receive a Star Volunteer Award: 

Tony Spires: Tony fixes everything from machinery for the nature reserves team to the Queenswood playground swings as part of the DIY team. He is absolutely brilliant and has turned his hand and skills to nearly everything. 

Andrew de la Haye: Andrew took on the role of Chair of Herefordshire Wildlife Trust’s Ross-on-Wye branch group in 2023 and completely revitalised its programme and engaged a new audience. We are sad that Andrew is standing down from September 2025 due to other commitments and we were keen to celebrate his contribution to engaging people with nature during his time in the role. Andrew instigated many new projects from nature-writing competitions for schools to free workshops in wildlife gardening as well as coordinating a new newsletter for branch members. He dedicated a huge amount of time and energy to the role and will be greatly missed.   

We would also like to mention here all the committee members of the Ross Branch who have been a great team over the past few years with particular thanks to Nadine, Emma and Anne who are also stepping back from the committee at this time. (Shameless plug – anyone wishing to join the committee please make yourself known!) 

Rod Lees: Rod is our stalwart minibus driver, frequent and regular reserves work party volunteer, and a member of the Queenswood Coppice Crew. He is always up for whatever challenge is thrown his way, responding to last minute requests for help and always generous with his skills and experience. 

We should make mention here also of all of the Queenswood Coppice Crew who have worked incredibly hard over the last 6 months and supported Rosie brilliantly so thank you to Rod, Nick, Richard and Brian. 

Lesley Winters: Lesley has been the volunteer warden of Tretawdy Farm Nature Reserve since the Trust took ownership of the site in 2019. She has been nominated in particular for her communication skills: "Lesley's monthly email advising of work party dates and tasks is a little ray of sunshine in my inbox. It's friendly and there's always a brief outline of what the wildlife is up to and what wildflowers and fungi have been spotted with photos too. So even if I've missed a volunteer work party I always feel like I am up to date with what's going on.”