Zoology student awarded for voluntary commitments to the city

More than 70 people attended the Green Space Forum Awards this week (November 16), co-hosted by Derby City Council Parks Team and the University Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, at the University of Derby.

The awards were held to reward and acknowledge volunteers who aim to help maintain the city's parks and nature reserves.

The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Paul Pegg was in attendance to present the awards to individuals. Third-year zoology student Siobhan Hillman was awarded Green Space Student of the Year after setting up a bumble bee transect at Darley Park, working with the Friends of Darley Park and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. The project was part of a voluntary experience for zoology students and members of the University's Ecology Society.

Debbie Alston, Associate Lecturer at the University of Derby, said: “This is something that Siobhan has done entirely voluntarily and in her own time which is why we wanted to present her with this award as recognition of her hard work.”

Siobhan added: “I am thrilled to have won this award. I have been volunteering to add valuable experience to my CV, not for rewards, but this was a very pleasant surprise. I would encourage other students to undertake voluntary experience, to add value to their academic studies and to make them more employable.”

Siobhan also delivered a short presentation at the awards evening on her third year vocational experience module with Derbyshire Adult Educational Services, under the DerwentWISE project. As part of this experience she has assisted on other guided walks and led her own public guided walk.

A copy of the Derbyshire Flora was presented to Siobhan as a prize.

Four other awards were also presented to:

• Kevin Flory, Derby Parks Volunteers – Commitment to improving green space
• And Rachel Taylor, Alvaston Park Friends – Memorable moment in 2015.
• Julia Slater, Little Chester Allotment Association – Commitment to improving allotments
• Keith Dodd, Friends of Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve – Inspiring others to get involved

The University of Derby supports the Derby Green Spaces Forum.

Councillor Paul Pegg, Mayor of Derby City Council, said: “I was delighted to attend the Green Space Forum Awards celebrating the hard work undertaken by volunteers across our city looking after our treasured green spaces. I was proud to present awards to those volunteers who have do so much for our city.”