Two Worcestershire County Council employees have been awarded the Worcestershire Wildlife Medal.

Rebecca Lashley and Cody Levine were named as the two recipients this year for their work in promoting nature conservation.

The pair are currently working on the county's Local Nature Recovery Strategy, an initiative focused on restoring habitats and conserving endangered species.

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Ms Lashley, who has dedicated her entire career to promoting wildlife in the county, is the council's principal nature recovery officer, and is known for her work with the Biodiversity Partnership.

She has been heavily involved in bringing planning specialists together to maximise biodiversity benefits from statutory Biodiversity Net Gain and co-led the production of the Worcestershire State of Nature Report in 2023.

Ms Lashley said: "I’m honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of this year’s Worcestershire Wildlife Medal.

"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."

Mr Levine, who brought international conservation experience to his work in the county, is the ecology team leader for the county council.

He is a key player in the Local Nature Partnership and Green Infrastructure Partnership and leads the Worcestershire Habitat Inventory.

Mr Levine 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.

"Thank you so much Worcestershire Wildlife Trust."

Ms Lashley and Mr Levine are also passionate about sharing their conservation knowledge with others.

They have both delivered training courses for the public, professional ecologists, and land managers.

The medal was launched in 2000, and recognises individuals who have devoted a significant part of their careers or lives to conservation in the county.

Christianne Tipping, the chair of the trust, said: "To ensure that there is a place for nature in Worcestershire’s future, we need to encourage people to become advocates for the natural world.

"It’s so important to acknowledge and celebrate inspirational individuals like Rebecca and Cody."