Volunteer Dave Hunt recognised by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust for work done at Besthorpe Nature Reserve

A volunteer who has spent hours helping at a nature reserve has had his commitment recognised.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has praised the work done by Dave Hunt at its Besthorpe Nature Reserve.

The reserve, which sits alongside the River Trent between Collingham and Besthorpe, is home to a wide range of bird species and an important series of wild flower meadows.

Dave, of South Muskham, has been volunteering at the reserve for six years.

He was nominated for a Wildlife On Your Doorstep award by reserve manager Andrew Hindmarsh, of Collingham,

Andrew, who is also a long-standing volunteer with the trust, said Dave had played a key role in bringing order to many areas of the reserve, carrying out jobs including tree planting and coppicing, extending ponds, installing nest boxes and helping to construct viewing screens to enhance the bird watching opportunities at the site.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s head of communications Erin McDaid said: “The contribution of volunteers such as Dave is absolutely vital to helping the trust care for precious habitats and environments.

“Without people willing to give up their time we would struggle to care for our nature reserves across the county.

“The beauty of the Wildlife On Your Doorstep awards is that nominations come from within the local community, from people who see and appreciate the efforts of those making a difference for wildlife on their patch.

“It was clear from Dave’s nomination that he is highly regarded locally, especially among other volunteers, and we are delighted to recognise his contribution with an award.

“As well as working hard to keep the reserve in good order Dave is famous for keeping fellow volunteers well-supplied with chocolate cake and biscuits ­— key ingredients in fuelling wildlife conservation volunteers across the county.”

The Wildlife On Your Doorstep awards, supported by Cemex UK and EDF Energy, are presented by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust to recognise and reward the efforts of individuals, schools and groups for their contribution to wildlife conservation in the county.

Besthorpe Nature Reserve covers 68 hectares off the A1133 along Trent Lane, Besthorpe.