Honoured for their work with wildlife

Chris Thomas and Margaret Lister have each won an Outdoors and Active Award as part of The Conservation Volunteers’ annual volunteer celebrations.

The annual awards aimed to recognise volunteers who go above and beyond in their activities or conservation tasks, inspire others, and make a difference in their communities.

Chris and Margaret are both members of the Green Gym group at Kiveton Community Woodlands, who take part in weekly sessions featuring several conservation activities, including woodland, habitat and wetland management.

Hannah Darcel, senior project officer at TCV, nominated the two winners for their contribution.

Hannah described Chris and Margaret as the most dedicated and passionate individuals, adding: “They've championed their community green space and taken great pride in how it has developed over the years, which is now an amazing place for local families and wildlife

“Both Chris and Margaret have faced considerable adversity over their volunteering journey – chronic ill health, caring for family with dementia, and both losing their husbands.

“Regardless, they always bring a positive spirit to the TCV Green Gym group and continue to find immense pleasure in volunteering.”

She added: “Their enthusiasm is infectious - social isolation hit hard during lockdown, especially when Green Gym sessions were put on hold.

“What is so admirable about these two ladies is that they continued to visit the woodland every day – walking to maintain their physical fitness, chatting to combat feelings of isolation, and connecting with the public.

“Chris and Margaret have been instrumental in the community woodland’s past, and it is clear that they care a great deal about its future.”

The Kiveton Green Gym group meet fortnightly on Thursdays at 9.30am, with volunteers asked to meet at on Colliery Road. Call 01302 388832 for more information.