Volunteers who work year-round to improve Leicester’s parks, waterways, and green spaces have been celebrated for their incredible efforts at a special awards event.
More than 1,000 members of the Leicester Environmental Volunteers—a group dedicated to hands-on conservation work across the city—were invited to a celebration at Abbey Park on 30 September, in recognition of their tireless service.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Founded in 1995, the service supports the care and management of over 200 parks and open spaces in partnership with Leicester City Council parks staff. Using an online booking system, volunteers sign up for guided sessions led by council environmental rangers, with all tools and equipment provided.
Tasks range from coppicing, tree planting, and meadow management, to removing invasive species, cleaning ponds, and even clearing litter from rivers and canals using bell boats and the Kingfisher barge. Volunteers also contribute to citizen science projects, including wildlife monitoring and species counts.
In the past year alone, volunteers have donated a remarkable 11,207 hours, collected over 38 tonnes of litter, managed nine grassland sites—some ecologically sensitive—and planted more than 1,700 trees as part of the city’s tree strategy.
During the awards ceremony, volunteers were recognised in several fun and meaningful categories, including:
- Best Attendance Award – for the most volunteering hours by an individual
- The A-Team Award – for the most unstoppable volunteer duo
- The Repair Shop Award – for outstanding tool maintenance and repair
- Long Service Award – honouring decades of dedication
Lesley Daniell, recipient of the Long Service Award, shared her story: “I started volunteering in 2005 after retiring from work. I’ve always been passionate about the environment, so conservation and litter-picking felt like a natural fit. It’s a great community—everyone is like-minded, and I’ve learned so much from the other volunteers and rangers.”
Cllr Vi Dempster, Assistant City Mayor for Parks, praised the volunteers: “Our parks and green spaces are a vital part of city life, and this celebration was a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who work so hard to protect and improve them. Their contribution is truly invaluable—not just for the environment, but for the well-being of our communities. I also want to thank the dedicated council staff who support their work year-round.”
Winners were presented with hand-crafted, eco-friendly gifts such as bat boxes and bug hotels, while all attendees received a small sustainable gift in appreciation of their efforts.
