Green Hero recognition for District Council

Date:  31 May 2006

Three Rivers District Council has been officially recognised as one of Britain's first Green Heroes.

The Council was presented with a Green Heroes shield by television celebrity and leading botanist Professor David Bellamy OBE, at an awards ceremony held on 15 May. 

The Green Heroes shield is a new annual award from national environmental group The Green Organisation.  The award is presented to organisations who have not only won a national Green Apple Award for environmental best practice, but have also helped others to follow their environmental lead. 

The Council won a Green Apple Award in November 2005 for its work to secure, enhance and protect The Withey Beds Local Nature Reserve. 

Councillor Martin Trevett, Environment Portfolio Holder, said:

"We are delighted that our work at The Withey Beds has received national recognition and we hope that others will be encouraged to help protect their local environment as a result.  Sites like these and the wildlife they protect are so important and we are committed to continuing to preserve them for the future of the district."

In their citation, the Green Heroes judges commented:

"The Council's action has seen nature recover to such an extent that rare specimens are now to be found - and an eyesore World War Two pillbox has been converted into a bat cave."

The District Council owns and maintains four Local Nature Reserves in the district, where regular family events and conservation activities are held; for more information contact the Council on 01923 776611.