The RSPB’s ‘Nature of Scotland Awards’ were held last night in Edinburgh at a glittering ceremony hosted by Iolo Williams, TV nature presenter, author and former RSPB officer. The event, now in its fourth year, recognizes the hard work and achievements of individuals, organisations and communities who do so much to help conserve and protect Scotland’s wildlife, plants and landscapes.
GreenPower, an independent renewable energy company, was again sponsoring the Community Initiative Award. When presenting the Award to the winner in this category Rob Forrest, owner and CEO of GreenPower said,
“I am delighted we are again sponsoring the Community Initiative Award which this year is being presented to the Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust for their outstanding work creating wildlife habitats and ensuring that the local community can easily access and enjoy this magical Local Nature Reserve”
On receiving the Award, David Flint expressed his delight that the Trust’s hard work had been recognised by the judging panel and he immediately posted on the Castle Loch website “Castle loch wins the RSPB Nature of Scotland Award for best Community Initiative 2015. Well done to everyone that has been involved over the last couple of years”.
Two other projects that benefit nature were also shortlisted for the Community Initiative Award; The Children’s Wood, which was highly commended, and Space to Grow – TCV Scotland.
Castle Loch Lochmaben Community Trust in Dumfries and Galloway was set up to purchase the Castle Loch and its environs for the local community and took ownership of the site in 2014. They have since created a new footpath and bridge enabling access all the way round the loch, grown a Scottish wildflower garden and set up volunteer work parties.