Several outstanding volunteers have received our Trustees’ Awards for Volunteering recognising their dedication to caring for their local environment and championing wildlife.
Young Volunteer – Charlie Drapala, Edinburgh
A member of our Young Leaders programme since 2018, the 26 year old has championed for greater inclusion and accessibility to increase the reach of our work.
Initiatives Charlie has been instrumental in delivering include advocating for wildlife at a political level and educating the wider public about environmental issues at events.
Currently, she is studying Animal and Conservation Biology at Napier University in the city and would encourage other young people to get involved with our Young Leaders programme.
She said: “I joined the Young Leaders programme to become a driver for change and help provide a platform for youth voices to be heard. Through the role, I’ve had many opportunities to lead projects and collaborate with other conservation-based agencies, which has greatly increased my confidence and skills for my future career.”
Lifetime Achievement Award – Mary and Tom Harwood, Dundee
Mary and Tom have both been involved with The Miley reserve close to the city centre of Dundee since 2000 organising a weekly litter pick and an annual leaf clean up to prevent the path from being slippery to walk along in autumn and winter.
Mary’s yearly legendary quiz sheet along with a plant sale raises funds to help towards the upkeep of the reserve. Numerous nursery and primary school children have enjoyed trips along The Miley learning about the importance of this city sanctuary for wildlife using binoculars and reference books to learn more about urban wildlife. All arranged by the dedicated duo. Mary said: “When we were first asked to volunteer on The Miley, I jumped at the chance because of what The Miley meant to me. I was brought up in the area and used to walk the old path on my way to school. When it became a dump and was closed to people, it made me sad. Tom had never used it, having lived in another part of town but he loved the variety of birds to be seen and heard there and has grown to love The Miley as much as I do. We weren’t aware that it had become a wildlife site, again neglected. The first time we saw it together with the other volunteers, the path was covered in litter and the bushes were covered in dog bags. We set up a litter picking rota and slowly people started to use the bins. Now it is a wonderful place to be, a haven of peace where the trees, plants and other wildlife are left to be as they should. We are proud to be a part of the team who look after The Miley.”
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Posted On: 04/11/2022