Award is feather in cap for Ragged Robins

Volunteers who help keep the Yorkshire Dales National Park in tip top condition have won a regional conservation award.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn presented the Ragged Robin Conservation Group with an award for the Countryside category in the second Yorkshire Post Environment Awards, which were by hosted by TV personality Julia Bradbury.

The group, which includes some Dales Volunteers, works every week with Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Access Rangers Ian Broadwith, who covers Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, and Paul Sheehan, in Lower Wensleydale. Together they turn their hand to everything from coppicing to path maintenance – all for the love of the area and the opportunity to see it cared for.

Conservation Group co-ordinator Brian Rawling was over the moon with the award.

“It was a close thing when we looked at the CVs of the other two groups who were shortlisted in the category,” he said.

“But we are surprised and delighted that we have won. The award is recognition of the work the whole team has done over the last few years with the Access Rangers.”

Authority Volunteers Co-ordinator Rae (correct) Lonsdale said: “The Ragged Robin members have been a very significant help to the Ranger Service in the north east of the National Park over a number of years and this award is a great recognition of their enthusiasm and hard work.”

Malcolm Petyt, the Authority’s Member Champion for Recreation Management, said: “I am constantly impressed by the contribution our volunteers make to the National Park through many types of work.

The Ragged Robins are an important part of this, and I am delighted their efforts have been recognised by this award.”