A volunteer
at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park has won volunteer of the year
in the UK National Parks Volunteer Awards, which highlight the incredible
contribution by individuals and volunteer groups to the betterment of Britain's
breathing spaces.
Stuart Crawford has served Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park since 2009 and is renowned for his dedication, last year putting in roughly 100 days of volunteer service. His willingness to tackle any task has won him praise from his fellow volunteers, the public and National Park staff.
The awards are held annually and this year's judging panel comprised television presenter and outdoor enthusiast Helen Skelton, TV presenter Julia Bradbury, National Parks UK Director Kathryn Cook, and Simon Vingoe UK marketing manager of National Parks brand partner Merrell.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Chief Executive, Fiona Logan said: “I am delighted that Stuart has been awarded Volunteer of the Year. He is an asset to the National Park and has delivered a huge amount of volunteering since he started with us in 2009. Stuart is reliable and always goes above and beyond to help others. His dedication is nothing short of inspiring.”
National Parks UK Director Kathryn Cook, commented: "Stuart stood out because of his admirable passion, enthusiasm, and commitment. I was also impressed by his dedication to sustainable travel. In spite of the fact he doesn’t drive, he volunteers in all corners of one of the largest National Parks in the UK."
Stuart’s enthusiasm shines in a number of volunteer duties including helping visitors to enjoy the National Park; supporting work with schools; mentoring new volunteers; maintenance of National Park infrastructure through activities including path building, fencing and ditching as well as contributing to biodiversity work - such as undertaking red squirrel and bat surveys - and working with partners to enhance the environment.
Stuart is the only volunteer of the four prize-winners to come from a Scottish National Park. The others are:
- Young Volunteer of the Year: Jerome Bass, Northumberland National Park (CNP Mosaic Project)
- Volunteer Group of the Year: Nancy Oldfield Trust, The Broads
- Volunteer Project of the Year: Kirknewton Archaeology and Walking Festival, Northumberland National Park
The group and project winners each received a £1,000 bursary to help ensure future volunteer activity. The two individual winners received outdoor gear from Merrell. The UK National Parks volunteer awards are supported by Merrell. The UK National Parks volunteer awards are supported by Merrell, Natural Resources Wales and Natural England.