Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteers praised for their dedication

Players of the People's Postcode Lottery have helped Northumberland Wildlife Trust recognise the efforts of its hardworking volunteers by supporting the 2018 Volfest.
Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust chief executive, with award-winning volunteer, Mary Lee. Picture by Susan WilsonMike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust chief executive, with award-winning volunteer, Mary Lee. Picture by Susan Wilson
Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust chief executive, with award-winning volunteer, Mary Lee. Picture by Susan Wilson

As a volunteer organisation, the wildlife charity relies heavily on the invaluable efforts of its volunteers, without whom its work would be much harder.

The annual Volfest is chief executive Mike Pratt’s opportunity to lead the Trust in its thanks for all their hard work.

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This year’s event was held at the Trust’s new Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and included walks, talks and an update on its current top-five projects.

More than 100 volunteers, who had clocked up 70-plus volunteering hours during 2017, each received an honorary membership courtesy of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and, as a special thank you, the efforts of two volunteers were specifically recognised with an additional award.

Mary Lee and Christine Hall, both from Morpeth, have volunteered for the Trust for 13 and six years respectively.

Christine helped to build the Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre and volunteers in its new Lookout Café, as well as undertaking practical conservation work across the wildlife charity’s 60 reserves.

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Mary also volunteers in the Lookout Café two days a week, helps with the Hauxley bird counts, undertakes general estates tasks and has been a reserve warden at the Weetslade Colliery Country Park for more than 10 years.

Mr Pratt said that he is humbled by the dedication and passion of all of the volunteers.