Gordon Dyne, who serves as Chair of the Wildlife Trust’s Rushcliffe Local Members’ Group, is a member of the charity’s Nature Recovery Committee and until last year was a long-standing member of the board of trustees was awarded the Pride of Rushcliffe Award at last week’s Celebrating Rushcliffe Awards.

Residents, groups and community heroes took their place in a showcase celebration of the borough’s great and good at Rushcliffe Area on December 8. The event celebrated local volunteers, businesses and organisations and Gordon took the Pride of Rushcliffe Award in recognition of more than 20 years effort to promote and protect wildlife across the borough.

Described on the night as a beacon of wildlife volunteering and knowledge, Gordon also leads the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy Implementation Group and is warden for the Wildlife Trust’s Wilwell Farm Cutting near Ruddington.

Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Cllr Simon Robinson led the praise to all those shortlisted for an award and to the many local sponsors who supported the accolades and highlighted Gordon’s contribution saying: “My congratulations go to all winners and those who were shortlisted and nominated. Gordon’s story is just one wonderful example of the incredible spirit across the Borough and chimed so well with our environmental priorities as a Council.”

Speaking on behalf of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Paul Wilkinson said: “As a charity rooted in the communities we work in, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has always had volunteers and volunteering at its core. Gordon has been central to our success in Rushcliffe for many years and his knowledge and enthusiasm have inspired many others to take action for nature across the borough. We’re delighted he’s been recognised in this way.”

Speaking after his award Gordon, who began his involvement with the Wildlife Trust by taking part in a volunteer work party at Wilwell Farm cutting back in 1993 said:

“This Award makes me realise how much has changed over the years. Two years after my first work party at Wilwell I became Reserve Warden, very much learning on the job. My time as warden has been made so much better by a small band of helpers who’ve helped over the years with work parties and open days as well as everything from sheep checking and moth trapping.

Quite early on It dawned on me that Wilwell is a small island in a human dominated landscape. There is a bigger picture. That’s what sparked my involvement with South Notts Local Group, to promote engagement with wildlife through, walks, talks and nature tables and the Rushcliffe Nature Conservation Strategy.”

Gordon has championed the promotion of new Friends of Groups to help care for local wildlife sites and been a focal point for wider community engagement with nature and the Nature Conservation Strategy across the borough.

Gordon added: “Some years ago we reflected on just how many environmental and wildlife projects and groups we had in Rushcliffe, and noted how many had started since the year 2000. It is heartening that list continues to grow with 2 or 3 new initiatives added this year.”

Ever unassuming and self-effacing Gordon was also keen to highlight the role of teamwork.

“An important point is that every little helps. I choose to get involved in all these activities, but equally important is Ian who will brush cut till the cows come home, Margie who helps at events, Neil whose knowledge of local wildlife is compendious, Derek who wardens a nearby reserve, Jacquie who takes minutes or Bill whose vision led to Bingham Linear Park. All doing their bit, all contributing to the bigger picture.”

Details of all winners and nominations can be found online at the Rushcliffe website.