Wetherby volunteers 'incredibly proud' of award nomination for being a force for good for local environment
A Wetherby community group has been nominated for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest honour given to volunteer groups in the UK.
Boston Spa, Wetherby & Villages Community Green Group said it was “incredibly proud” to be in the running for the award which is often described as the MBE for volunteer organisations.
First launched in May 2019 by group of local residents who wanted to take action on the climate emergency, the nomination recognises its volunteers hard work on environmental action, community wellbeing, and education across Boston Spa, Wetherby and surrounding villages.
Adrian Balcombe, who has been chair of Boston Spa, Wetherby & Villages Community Green Group since 2024, said: "Since our formation, the Community Green Group has worked with a clear purpose: to reduce carbon emissions, increase biodiversity, and reduce waste - translating these goals into practical, visible improvements across our local area.
“In a short time, the group has achieved so much with a committed volunteer core and a remarkable range of skills.
“In the process it has helped to transform how people think about and act on environmental issues locally."
What Boston Spa, Wetherby & Villages Community Green Group does
From tree planting and wildlife corridors to river protection, cycling initiatives and energy advice, its work has helped create a healthier, greener and more connected place to live.
Its trees and wildlife volunteers have planted native trees and hedgerows, created wildflower meadows, built habitats for insects, and established a growing community orchard.
Volunteers have played an active role in citizen science water-quality monitoring of the River Wharfe, helping raise awareness of pollution and supporting efforts to protect the river for walkers, swimmers, paddlers and wildlife alike.
Through energy fairs, recycling campaigns, litter picks, excess food stalls and advice events, the Community Green Group has worked hard to turn concern for nature and climate into practical action.
This Saturday, March 7 will see the Boston Spa, Wetherby & Villages Community Green Group’s bi-annual litter pick at Boston Spa.
In April, it will launch new citizen science community project to count butterflies, locally.
Information: https://bostongreengroup.co.uk/