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Lineover Volunteer Group and their individual members were the winning
recipients of 3 of the categories in this years Woodland Trust Volunteer of
the Year Awards. Firstly, the group as winners of the regional category
Midland Volunteer Group of the Year. This group has been in existence since
the wood was acquired by the Trust in 1986. The Trust is extremely grateful
for the support of the group who undertake such works as coppicing, ride
clearance, hedge laying, encouraging the diversity of flora and fauna and
weekly butterfly counts.
The group also won the prestigious ‘Watkins Medal’ for outstanding
contribution to volunteering. Paul Arnold (pictured opposite) leader of the
group received the medal on behalf of the whole group. This medal is awarded
annually to those as a group or as an individual who have made an invaluable
contribution to the Trust as volunteers. Lineover are indeed very worthy
winners. The Watkins medal is awarded in the memory and name of Kenneth
Watkins founder of the Woodland Trust who over 30 years ago was a champion
of the contribution made by volunteers to the organisation.
Volunteer of the Year was awarded to John Coates a Lineover member. Chris
Stephens member of the group said “John has a close family connection with
the Woods since it was his late father Ron who was responsible for the wood
coming under the care of the Trust in 1986. Richard Smithers Woodland Trust
UK Conservation Advisor who was making the presentations to the group said,
"Ron remains an inspiration to all who knew him and for that reason the
trust has agreed to sponsor a seat in the wood to his memory".
Lineover, which means “lime bank” in Anglo-Saxon, is situated on the
Cotswold scarp above Charlton Kings on the outskirts of Cheltenham. Sloping
steeply down from the southern to the northern boundary, this 50-hectare
SNAW and SSSI provided an important variety of habitats for wildlife. It is
also the home to a large number of old large-leaved limes trees and a
spectacular 400 year-old beech, which is thought to be the third largest in
England.
For additional images
John Coates receiving his certificate -
click here
John Heathcote receiving the group certificate -
click here
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News item - January 2003
Volunteer of the Year Certificate
Presentation of the Watkins Medal to Paul Arnold
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