Conservation charity award for dedicated volunteer, 81

AN 81-year-old volunteer at a nature reserve near Goole has received national recognition for his work spanning almost four decades.

Eddie Wressell has been awarded the RSPB President’s Award for 39 years’ outstanding service at Blacktoft Sands.

The award is presented annually for voluntary services to the society.

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Mr Wressell, from Whitgift, near Goole, has given up his spare time to help out at the site since it opened in 1972, and has been there most days since retiring as the local blacksmith in 1994.

He said he was surprised but delighted to have been recognised.

He said: “I couldn’t believe that I was being rewarded in this way for doing something that had given me so much pleasure and so many friends over the years. It is something I will always remember.”

His work has varied over the years, from repairing machinery to sluice building, hide maintenance, willow planting and welcoming visitors.

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Even two hip replacements in 2004 and 2005 did not limit his activities and he can still be regularly found on the reserve helping visitors get to know the wildlife.

Site manager Pete Short said: “Eddie is a great ambassador for the RSPB, to both the people who visit the reserve and within the local community. One of the most frequently asked questions from visitors to the reserve is ‘Does Eddie still come to the reserve?’ Everyone seems to know and like Eddie. This is a true testament to his popularity.”

More recent arrivals at the reserve have been a group of hardy wild ponies brought in to help improve the habitat for wildlife.

The Konik ponies, a breed which originates in Eastern Europe, are prized for their grazing skills and it is hoped they will create suitable conditions for ground-nesting birds such as lapwings.

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They have been grazing many nature reserves in Europe for the benefit of wildlife during the past decade and in recent years have started appearing in some reserves in the south of England.

Their arrival at Blacktoft Sands last month is believed to be their first appearance in Yorkshire.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the RSPB can call Mike Andrews on 07974 929769, or email [email protected].

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