TWO Worcestershire County Council employees have received a prestigious award for helping improve wildlife.
The Worcestershire Wildlife Trust accolade was presented to Rebecca Lashley and Cody Levine for the way they have promoted nature conservation across the county.
Rebecca and Cody are driving forward preparation of the county’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which aims to restore habitats and conserve species at risk of decline.
Having worked for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Worcestershire Biological Records Centre before moving to the county council, Rebecca has spent her entire career working to promote wildlife in the county.
Now the council’s principal nature recovery officer, she is synonymous with the work delivered by the Biodiversity Partnership.
The county has brought together local planning specialists to investigate opportunities to maximise the benefits from statutory Biodiversity Net Gain and co-led the production of the seminal Worcestershire State of Nature Report in 2023.
Rebecca said she was honoured to have won the award.
“The Trust has been such an important part of both my career and my family life here in Worcestershire and I’m proud to be recognised amongst those who have received the award before me.”
Cody brought international conservation experience to his work in Worcestershire when here turned to his home county more than 20 years ago.
As the county council’s ecology team leader, Cody is a key player in both the Local Nature Partnership and Green Infrastructure Partnership and leads on the Worcestershire Habitat Inventory.
The document details the county’s habitats on a field-by-field basis, providing information which underpins decision-making.
Cody thanked Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and said “The list of previous medal recipients are basically my Worcestershire wildlife heroes, so I’m beyond delighted and a bit overwhelmed to be mentioned amongst such talented conservationists.
Christine Topping, the Worcetershire Wildlife Trust chair added: “Both Rebecca and Cody are passionate about sharing their conservation knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world with others, both professionally and as volunteers.
“On topics ranging from black poplars to noble chafer beetles, Rebecca has delivered several engaging training courses for the public, professional ecologists and land managers.
“Cody has offered his expertise and insight in sessions designed to encourage better integration of wildlife into development.”
The Worcestershire Wildlife Medal, launched in 2000, recognises individuals who have devoted a significant part of their careers or lives to conservation in the county.
Visit: worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/worcestershire-wildlife-medal for more on the Worcestershire Wildlife Medal.
