BTCV makes a difference across the UK by inspiring people to improve their lives and their environments.

Hundreds of thousands of people already volunteer with environmental charity BTCV, including many in the Black Country region.

The charity has recently honoured some of its most committed volunteers and next month, celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock will present its green heroes with their awards.

BTCV supports 300,000 volunteers taking part in practical environmental projects in their communities and the annual green heroes awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of volunteers from across the UK.

There are seven award categories which cover the diverse range of individual volunteers and groups that BTCV supports, including volunteer of the year, young volunteer of the year, better life award, Dave Donohue award, project of the year, community group of the year
and the local partnership award.

This year, the BTCV green hero volunteer of the year award goes to Bruce Maclennan from Dingwall, Rossshire, Scotland.

His hugely positive approach, despite his learning difficulties, has been instrumental in making the Inverness green gym a warm and welcoming group for a wide range of people.

The award for young volunteer of the year goes to Shawn Streeter, who took up volunteering three years ago with a conservation group in West Sussex.

He then joined a BTCV community network group and now also co-ordinates a health walks programme around his village.

Since training as a leader two years ago, aged just 14, he is the youngest qualified health walks leader in the country.

Inspiring

Charlie Dimmock has been a BTCV supporter for several years. She says: “Meeting these green heroes and hearing how they make an amazing difference to their communities and the environment is really inspiring.

“I congratulate all of them on their superb efforts.”

BTCV chief executive Tom Flood adds: “BTCV green heroes are remarkable people. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of climate change, but green heroes demonstrate the difference that individuals and groups can make.”

Honda has recently teamed up with BCTV to promote environmental activities happening near you.

They have created do-it.org.uk as part of the launch activity for its new Honda Insight hybrid car; one of the world’s most affordable hybrids.

Using the slogan ‘everyone wants to be good’ in its campaign, a sentiment Honda wholeheartedly believes in, they are making it easier for people to volunteer their time through www.do-it.org.uk.

For every test drive booked for the new Honda Hybrid online with Brindley motors of Wolverhampton, Cannock, Halesowen or West Bromwich, Honda will contribute £5 towards BTCV.

Details of volunteering opportunities can also be found on www.expressandstar.com/honda-do-it and www.honda.co.uk or at www.btcv.org

So to become a ‘doer’ and find opportunities in the local area, visit one of these websites or call BTCV direct on their information line on 01302 388 883.