A NATIONAL conservation award has been presented to a Worcestershire naturalist for his outstanding contribution to wildlife.

The Wildlife Trust’s 2008 annual Christopher Cadbury medal has gone to George Henry ‘Harry’ Green “for services for the advancement of nature conservation in the British Islands”.

The award was made by Aubrey Manning, president of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts at its annual meeting at the De Vere Hotel, Belton Woods, near Grantham.

Mr Green, who lives at Little Comberton, near Pershore, has been an active member of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) since its foundation in 1968 and was previously with the West Midlands Trust.

A council member at WWT for more than 30 years, he also performed the role of chief executive for many years before a staff appointment was made.

Colin Raven, director of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said: “Harry’s contribution to conservation work nationally, regionally and to our own Wildlife Trust is immense and we are incredibly pleased that this has been recognised by such a prestigious award.

“As anyone who has met Harry will be aware, he is a natural communicator who is able to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for nature conservation with everyone he meets. ”

Mr Green has worked hard at raising the profile of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. He has published two books about the trust’s work, worked in the press office, edited the trust’s members’ publication and written reserve guides.

This was done alongside managing nature reserve purchases, demonstrating a huge level of effort and commitment to the movement.

Outside the trust, Mr Green has pursued his crusade for wildlife with many other organisations, including as a member of council for the British Trust for Ornithology which he chaired for four years, and as chairman of the International Wader Study Group.

He has also worked actively for the West Midland Bird Club, Butterfly Conservation and the Worcestershire Flora Project. He has made a major contribution to biological recording in Worcestershire especially in helping to re-invigorate the Worcestershire Biological Records Centre.

In the 2001 New Year’s honours Harry was awarded the MBE in recognition of his work for nature conservation.

Mr Green said: “I am very honoured to be awarded the Christopher Cadbury medal, especially as I worked closely with Christopher in Worcestershire for many years.

“A strong interest in natural history has been part of my life since I was a small boy at school where I was inspired by a brilliant biology teacher.

“For 40 years I have worked with some amazing people to conserve Worcestershire’s wildlife.

“Together we have nurtured the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and I hope everyone involved will enjoy the honour of the award.”