Wilder Community Award

For a community showing exemplary commitment to wildlife and/or the environment. 

Winner: Clayburn Community Gardens

A group of residents have transformed the community gardens of their residential estate, making this a social hub for local residents and a space for wildlife to flourish. The group has collaborated with us through the Nextdoor Nature project and through our Training Award Scheme which involves training individuals in ecological skills in order to upskill the community, funded by DP World. 

Green Leader Award

For an individual showing exemplary commitment to wildlife and/or the environment. 

Winner: Alex Holliman

Alex is the Managing Director of Climbing Trees, who are a leading business for ethical and environmentally driven marketing and communications, based in Essex, and Alex was instrumental in securing funding for our Fir Tree Wood land appeal, as well as being a strong advocate for the Trust.

Wilder Business Award

Awarded to a corporate partner or a local business that shows an exemplary commitment to supporting wildlife.  

Winner: Essex & Suffolk Water

Essex & Suffolk Water are longstanding supporters of the Trust and make a huge contribution at both of our reservoir sites. At a time of significant scrutiny on water companies, Essex & Suffolk Water regularly scoring highly in OFFWAT regulator tables, and are currently doing a lot of work on water scarcity which aligns with our work to protect water supply and protect our catchment areas. 

Ray Marsh Award

Awarded to an outstanding volunteer for significant services to the Trust. 

Highly commended: This year we received some incredible nominations, so I wanted to commend, in particular, Sylvia Jiggins at Phyllis Currie nature reserve and Bob Reed at Sawbridgeworth Marshes for their work for the Trust over many years.

Winner: Steve Spicer 

Steve first started volunteering with Essex Wildlife Trust around 10 years ago as warden for Pheasant House Farm nature reserve. He has developed his role over the years and is now the main lead for all the Danbury volunteer wardens, coordinating the winter work parties across all of the Danbury Ridge, which is a significant expanse of reserves. 

On top of this dedication to Danbury Ridge, Steve has also been a fantastic ambassador for our Fir Tree Wood appeal over the last year.