Local volunteers from Thetford have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation at this year’s Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards, held on Saturday 4th October at The Forum in Norwich.
Organised by the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership (NBP), the awards celebrate individuals and groups across the county who make a lasting impact on biodiversity and the environment through grassroots action.
The Thetford Conservation Group received the runner-up award in the Groups category for its ongoing conservation work across key sites in Thetford, including Barnham Cross Common (SSSI) and the Castle Park heritage site. The group’s efforts to remove invasive species such as gorse, broom and bramble have helped restore habitats for rare plants including Purple Stem Cat’s Tail, Tower Mustard, Burnet Saxifrage and Lesser Meadow Rue. The team also supported the reintroduction of Prostrate Perennial Knavel, a species once extinct at the site.
Meanwhile, Thetford resident Michael Rudd received an award in the Saving Species category for his dedicated individual work supporting the survival of Creeping Marshwort, a rare plant found in only three known UK locations. Since joining the Thetford Conservation Group earlier this year, Michael has led a solo conservation project to enhance the plant’s habitat, carrying out regular maintenance and monitoring that has encouraged new growth and strengthened the fragile ecosystem.
Councillor Ieuan Evans, Chair of the Town Council’s Community and Environmental Services Committee, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the Thetford Conservation Group and Michael Rudd for their well-deserved recognition at the Norfolk Community Biodiversity Awards. Their dedication and passion for our local environment are an inspiration. These awards highlight what can be achieved when communities come together to care for nature, helping to create a greener, more vibrant Thetford for generations to come.”
To learn more about volunteering opportunities with Thetford Town Council, email mail@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.
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