A REDDITCH writer has been awarded this year’s prestigious accolade by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
Gary Farmer, who has received the Worcestershire Wildlife Medal, is a lifelong naturalist whose knowledge ranges from birds to botany.
His particular specialism is invertebrates, having authored a book on Worcestershire’s crickets and grasshoppers and he is considered a county woodlice, millipedes and true bugs expert.
Currently manager of the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust, Gary is passionate about sharing his love for nature with other people through walks, talks and identification courses.
Keen to observe the wildlife in his local area, he is an active member of Worcestershire Recorders, Wyre Forest Study Group and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Redditch local supporter group.
Gary said: “I have always been obsessed with the natural world, spending time watching and recording wildlife and carrying out practical conservation tasks both as a volunteer for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and during the past 20 years of my working life.
“I have always tried to give something back to nature, to help save some of the special species and treasured landscapes that are under threat and to encourage others to do the same.
“To be acknowledged in this way came as a complete surprise but hopefully shows that in a small way I have succeeded.”
Launched in 2000, the annual award celebrates individuals who have devoted a significant part of their careers or lives to conservation in the county.
Christianne Tipping, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Chair, added: “One of the Trust’s main goals is to encourage and support people to take action for nature, so it’s important that we recognise and celebrate inspirational individuals like Gary who have dedicated huge amounts of time to protecting wildlife across our wonderful county.”
Visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/worcestershire-wildlife-medal for more information.
