PRESS RELEASE

4 August 2009

WIRRAL WILDLIFE VOLUNTEER INVITED TO DOWNING STREET RECEPTION

Environmental activists left their waterproofs and wellies at home and dressed up for a unique opportunity on Wednesday 22 July. The Prime Minister held a reception at 10 Downing Street "to celebrate the contribution that people make every day in support of their local environmental wildlife projects and organisations".

Hilary Ash, volunteer conservation officer in Wirral for over 20 years, represented Cheshire Wildlife Trust at the event, as one of over 40 people from the national Wildlife Trusts movement.

Hilary said: "While the Prime Minister moved through the throng shaking as many hands as possible, we were able to talk to other politicians present. In particular I was able to discuss improvements to the forthcoming Marine Bill with Hilary Benn, and measures to get action on global climate change with Ed Milliband.

“It was also an interesting opportunity to talk to like-minded people in other organisations, such as Sustrans and the Women’s Institute."

Gordon Brown made a short speech thanking those present for their hard work over many years to protect our environment and wildlife, long before the current rise in interest. He said that thanks to his children the garden at No. 10 is being made more environment-friendly, with a vegetable plot and bird boxes.

The reception was held in the garden of No. 10, and Hilary noted that the pond installed a few years ago by The Wildlife Trusts is still flourishing, though a heron has eaten the goldfish!

The event is a welcome sign of government appreciation of the environment, and of the work done by volunteers in protecting it for the benefit of everyone.

Hilary added: “For those of us who have been involved as long as I have, and remember lobbying when national government took little notice of the environment, it is a pleasure to be listened to at national level. But the job is not finished - we need to continue to talk to government to encourage real and fast action on global climate change, or all our efforts over decades will be wasted."

Janel Fone, Chief Executive of Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: “We are thrilled this particular group of committed like-minded people has been recognised by the Prime Minister. They give their time so readily and deliver real environmental benefits to local communities throughout the UK. We, at The Wildlife Trusts, are very proud of our army of volunteers – approaching 40,000 people of all ages and backgrounds – who care for and improve local wild places. And their positive action benefits us all. It is absolutely right that their efforts should be acknowledged.

“We hope many more will continue to be inspired by wildlife on their doorstep and the next generation of volunteers will take the opportunity to improve their local environment, learn new skills and have fun at the same time.”

If you are interested in volunteering for Cheshire Wildlife Trust please call 01948 820728.

-ENDS-