nature
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Launches Wildlife Hero Awards To Celebrate Yorkshire’s Unsung Wild Heroes
![Low Wood Volunteer Steve and champion hawthorn
Photo: Sara Spillett©]()
Low Wood Volunteer Steve and champion hawthorn
Photo: Sara Spillett©
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is seeking your nominations for the very best heroes of local and regional wildlife conservation living and working across Yorkshire.
The Trust’s Wildlife Hero Awards will recognise individuals, businesses and community groups making a real and lasting difference for wildlife during the Trust’s 80th anniversary year.
Rachael Bice, CEO at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said, “The Trust has been working to protect and restore nature across the county for 80 years — but we have never done it alone. Our impact has only been possible thanks to the dedication, knowledge and commitment of people and organisations who take action for wildlife every day, in fields, schools, workplaces, communities and beyond.
“To mark our anniversary, we want to shine a spotlight on the people working tirelessly and often behind the scenes to make a difference for wildlife – the people without whom we would have substantially less amazing diversity than we do, and the people who will help to inspire the future of Yorkshire’s wildlife.”
![Welcome To English - Family Planter Making Event
Photo: Karen van Diesen©]()
Welcome To English - Family Planter Making Event
Photo: Karen van Diesen©
The Awards will include ten categories:
Farmer
Young Person
Community Group
Policy or Planning Advocate
Wildlife Influencer
Environmental Sector Professional
Business
Nature‑Friendly School
Researcher or Academic
Green Jobs Champion.
The Trust hopes the awards will spotlight the way anyway and everyone can make a difference for Yorkshire’s wildlife; from restoring habitats and protecting species to influencing policy, inspiring others and finding new ways to put nature at the heart of everyday life.
![(L-R) Andy Jayes left and Beth Thompson Seagrass Seed Pillow Planting at Spurn Point
Photo: Finn Varney]()
(L-R) Andy Jayes left and Beth Thompson Seagrass Seed Pillow Planting at Spurn Point
Photo: Finn Varney
Winners will be chosen by a panel made up of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust staff, trustees and partners. Award winners will be announced at a special ceremony during the Trust’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday 3rd October at York College, and will receive a prize.
Nominations close on Friday 14 August 2026. To nominate your local Wildlife Heroes, go to https://www.ywt.org.uk/wildlife-heroes-awards