Countryside rangers from Wyre Forest District Council have scooped two top awards for their work protecting local habitats across the district.

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The team was presented with a West Midlands Conservation Award by Natural England with Paul Allen, countryside manager, also being recognised as a ‘Wildlife Hero’ by Worcestershire Wildlife magazine.

An awards ceremony organised by Natural England took place last month at Wyre Forest Discovery Centre near Bewdley. The rangers were one of 13 winners from the West Midlands – including farmers, land managers, landowners and small volunteer groups – awarded a Conservation Award by Andrew Sells, Natural England Chairman.

The council’s ranger team led by Paul Allen, countryside manager, Adam Hamilton, biodiversity and conservation officer, Ollie Price, environmental and countryside education ranger, and Adam Wright, countryside sites officer, were presented the trophy for their work on WFDC’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest and local nature reserves.

The success didn’t stop there with Paul Allen, countryside manager, being acknowledged as a Wildlife Hero by Worcestershire Wildlife magazine. Paul was awarded the title after his work establishing the Grazing Animals Project, which promotes the use of rare breeds to manage many of the heathlands and grasslands in the district.

Kay Higman, cultural services and marketing manager, said: “It is great to see the rangers’ hard work is being recognised and celebrated. The type of work Paul and the team do on a daily basis goes along way to protecting our green spaces for future generations.”

For more information on the rangers visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/things-to-see-do-and-visit/countryside-and-nature.

(From left to right: Elena Romano - student placement, Adam Hamilton – biodiversity and conservation officer, Ollie Price – environmental and countryside education range, Paul Allen – countryside manager, Adam Wright – countryside sites officer, Emma Foster – student placement)