Volunteers from the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme received some well-deserved praise this month, with the arrival of the 2023 Wilder Awards. Each year, the awards celebrate individuals, groups, and organisations who are making a difference for wildlife and the environment. This year, three Watercress and Winterbournes volunteers - Chalk Stream Champions - were represented in the 'Individual Action for Nature' award category.
Watercress and Winterbournes volunteers recognised at 2023 Wilder Awards
Volunteers from the Watercress and Winterbournes scheme have been recognised in an annual celebration of community action.
The Individual Action for Nature Award went to friends Hazel Metcalfe and Sarah Smith
Winners: Hazel Metcalfe and Sarah Smith
Hazel and Sarah are friends who live in north Hampshire. They won the 'Individual Action for Nature' award for creating the Chalk Stream Challenge, which enables young people to explore chalk streams through freely-accessible, self-guided learning activities. Participants can choose from a number of established routes, or create their own. The challenge has been completed by over 300 young people, and is being expanded by several community groups and conservation organisations.
Howard Boardman
Nominated: Howard Boardman
Howard is a keen angler who lives in Alresford. He was nominated for the 'Individual Action for Nature' award for his leading role in training, supporting, and coordinating a group of volunteers who perform invertebrate monitoring on the headwaters of the River Itchen. This monitoring provides crucial data about the health of the Candover Brook, River Arle, and Cheriton Stream. The group also share their invertebrate knowledge at public events, to raise awareness about chalk streams within the wider community.
Want to join in?
Huge congratulations to Hazel, Sarah, and Howard on this fantastic achievement. Watercress and Winterbournes is made possible by the dedication of many wonderful volunteers - our Chalk Stream Champions. If you're passionate about the future of these rare and precious habitats, please consider joining our welcoming volunteer community!