VALIANT volunteer Val Fullforth has been honoured for helping people to get closer to wildlife. She has been involved in the North Herts group of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) since its inception 21 years ago. As its publicity officer, she ha

VALIANT volunteer Val Fullforth has been honoured for helping people to get closer to

wildlife.

She has been involved in the North Herts group of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) since its inception 21 years ago.

As its publicity officer, she has been putting together events programmes for the local area, leading walks and encouraging people to get outdoors and enjoy the wildlife around them. She has also manned sales tables and attended events to spread the word about the Trust's work.

Val, who is from Letchworth GC, received a Volunteer Achievement Award at the Trust's annual volunteer forum held recently.

The Trust's chief executive, Judy Adams, said: "Thanks to Val's dedication, for years local people have had opportunities to get closer to wildlife through the events she's organised and the group volunteers she's mobilised.

"The work that she and the group have been doing is vital because it encourages all sorts of people to get out and about - especially those who maybe just don't know where to begin to look for the wild things on their doorstep."

She added: "Volunteers like Val are an inspiration to us all - and they make up the 'army' of people we rely on completely to carry out our work for wildlife.

"Whether carrying out practical tasks, monitoring wildlife, helping us to input data or manning our phones, they all play a tremendous part.

"For many of our tasks, you don't need to have a knowledge of wildlife - just some time to spare and a willingness to lend your support to making a difference to our wildlife and wild places for future generations."

The Trust would like to hear from anyone interested in joining its workforce of volunteers. There is a wide range of volunteer opportunities on offer ranging from conservation work on reserves to supporting events or helping to spread the message in the community.

Its website www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk has information about opportunities available across the two counties, or HMWT can be contacted on 01727 858901 for information about its nature reserves, becoming a member or getting involved in any of its conservation work for local wildlife.