16th July 2024
The Local Government Ecology Awards, run by Verna and the Association of Local Government Ecologists, celebrate the positive impact of ecologists in local government.
The independent judging panel was comprised of leaders across a broad spectrum of ecology work. The judges were:
- Dr Helen Fearnley, Environment Division, Defra;
- Liz Milne, Chair, Association of Local Government Ecologists;
- Richard Blyth, Head of Policy, Practice and Research, Royal Town Planning Institute;
- Sally Hayns, CEO, Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management; and
- Dr Tim Hill, Chief Scientist, Natural England
We are excited to announce this year’s winners.
Local Government Ecologist of the Year – Winner
Ana Coxixo – Senior Ecologist, Herefordshire Council
Ana has won for her brilliant work on the Luston Constructed Wetlands Project, now used nationwide as a model for meeting nutrient neutrality requirements. Additionally, she has shown unwavering commitment to community engagement by developing a wetlands curriculum for schools, empowering children to contribute meaningfully to nature conservation.
Ana’s colleague said that everyone at Herefordshire Council is “so pleased to see Ana’s hard work and dedication recognised”.
Ana said that she hopes the award “spotlights the essential role of local government ecologists in driving sustainable development and spearheading ecological innovation”.
Local Government Ecologist of the Year – Runner-Up
Annabel Foskett — Nature Conservation Officer, Haringey Council
Annabel has been awarded runner-up for her innovative and scalable conservation work. Using Fixed Point Photography, alongside the Woodland Condition Assessment, Annabel has created a framework for protecting urban ancient woodland across the UK. She has also been instrumental in the roll out of Haringey’s Wildflower Meadow Project.
Annabel’s colleague at The Conservation Volunteers said that she has “spearheaded a myriad of ground breaking projects…she is a driving force for positive change”.
Annabel said that “this award isn’t just about [her]; it’s about the whole community coming together to make a difference in conserving natural spaces…it is a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve when we work together for the benefit of our community and natural heritage”.
Young Local Government Ecologist of the Year – Winner
Joey Pickard — Peatlands Ecologist, Neath Port Talbot Council
Joey has won for his important work on the Lost Peatlands Project, where he designed and delivered peatland restoration in the Afan and Rhondda valleys. He also leads guided walks for the local community, to help them learn more about ecology and engage with their local environment.
His colleague on the Lost Peatlands Project said that he “is an invaluable asset. Despite his already outstanding knowledge on peatland ecology, he never stops wanting to learn more, ensuring our project is at the cutting edge of peatland restoration”.
Joey said that “everything [he has] achieved through [his] work has been the result of collaboration with fantastic colleagues and a supportive partnership of organisations”.