By Gary Thomas
The National Trust has declared that six people have won the Octavia Hill Awards at a special ceremony conducted in London. The green heroes included an intrepid volunteer youth worker, a productive drystone waller and a prominent TV walker. The awards were sponsored in association with Countryfile Magazine.
The green heroes were nominated by the public. The winners of the Octavia Hill Awards were Patrick Frew, Roger Parkinson, Matt Smith, Julia Bradbury, Eric Shorrocks and The Friends of King Henry's Walk Garden.
Patrick Frew from North Ireland is the growing hero who transformed a one-acre site into a varied growing space.
Roger Parkinson from West Yorkshire is a natural hero and is an inspiring tree conservation leader, a field teacher and public speaker. While working as a practitioner, Roger assisted in restoring a five-acre arboretum with over 150 tree species.
Matt Smith from Liverpool is the inspirational hero. He is addressing anti-social behavior by bringing young people to the outdoors. He conducts nature hikes, self-sufficiency trips and camping.
Julia Bradbury, a popular TV presenter, was nominated as the People's Campaigner by the public. The Friends of King Henry's Walk Garden in Northern London are the 'Green Space Guardians'. Several families enjoyed in the King Henry's Walk Garden.
The ‘Love Places’ award was given to Eric Shorrocks of Cumbria. He is a self-taught professional drystone waller and a National Trust volunteer.
A specially commissioned bowl, which was made by Tony Alderman, will be given to all the winners. English elm, yew and oak gathered from woods located near Crockham in Kent were used to make the bowl.
Source: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/