Nature

River Mel Restoration Group

In October the River Mel Restoration Group were delighted to be announced winners of the Wild Trout Trust & Orvis Conservation Award 2009 (Amateur Category). The presentation ceremony took place before an audience of 100 invited guests at the Savile Club in Mayfair, London. The trophy, presented by the President of the Wild Trout Trust, was accepted on behalf of the RMRG by its Chairman, Steve Hawkins.

In his introductory speech, Charles Rangeley-Wilson, President of the Wild Trout Trust, said that there were two types of people in conservation “those who said what should be done and those who saw what should be done and did it.” He went on to say that “the conservation awards were to recognise the foresight, knowledge, determination and efforts of those that achieved great things - and got their wellies wet!”

This national competition was open to entries from individuals or organisations in two different categories: amateur and professional. In order to be considered for the amateur award we had to submit a detailed report on our projects, which included photographs and plans. Once short listed, a panel of three independent judges visited the sites in Meldreth and Melbourn to assess the projects against the marking criteria. These consisted of ten different categories including general conservation value, appropriateness of the scheme, value for money, techniques used and report presentation.

The judges’ citation for the RMRG entry highlighted the infectious enthusiasm, thought, and effort that had been put into the project by a relatively small number of highly motivated individuals. They also stated that much has been achieved in habitat restoration, securing funding, raising awareness and an impressive feeling of community ownership of the project.

Dates of future working parties:

Saturday 12th December at Meldreth Saturday 9th January at Melbourn Saturday 30th January at Meldreth Saturday 20th February at Melbourn Anyone is welcome to come along and see what we are doing at one of our working parties. We meet at 9.15am for 9.30am start and aim to be finished by lunchtime. In Melbourn we meet at the Pavilion on Melbourn Recreation Field. Meldreth working parties meet at the bridge in Flambards Close.

For further information phone Maureen Brierley on 01763 262752 or email info@rivermel.com

Website

You can keep in touch with the group through our website at Melbourn Village site or www.rivermel.com