THE team of voluntary wardens who support the work of the Cotswolds Conservation Board have been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This national honour was created by Her Majesty to mark the Golden Jubilee in 2002 and to recognise the outstanding contributions made to communities by groups of volunteers.

Head warden John Shaw and volunteering coordinator Rebecca Jones both attended the Queen’s garden party on May 31 in celebration of the 2018 award winners.

Martin Lane, director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, said: “The Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens put in over 48,000 hours of work this year, across a diverse range of projects – so this award and the garden party were a wonderful recognition of their dedication to this beautiful region.

"We look forward to seeing what they achieve over the next 12 months.”

John Shaw, head warden, said, “This award recognises fifty years of commitment and achievement in making the Cotswolds a great place to be, thanks to the passion, creativity and drive of our Voluntary Wardens. For half this time we have truly appreciated the tireless guidance, support and encouragement of our coordinator Becky Jones“

2018 is the 50th anniversary of the Volunteer Wardens in the Cotswolds AONB, and the celebratory theme is education, and reaching the next generation to care for the Cotswolds.

The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are keen to recruit new members to continue this valuable work.

For more information visit: cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/looking-after/volunteering