Friends committee member receives national award

Founder member Mike Hughes received the 'River Champions UK Award (Urban River Restoration)' on 9th September 2020.

Under normal circumstances the UK River Prize Awards Ceremony at Nottingham's River Restoration Centre would have included a celebratory meal as well as the presentations, and attended by over 300 delegates. This year the conference and ceremony took place via Zoom, whereby delegates were able to see 'a video of my exploits' as Mike put it!

The award was in recognition of Mike's work, over the last seven years, in monitoring, helping develop and improve watercourses and drainage systems. Mike has imparted his extensive knowledge to children and adults alike, teaching them about the importance of clean watercourses to the environment in the Telford area. Working with the Environment Agency, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, ARC, Telford and Wrekin Council, Wellington and Hadley Town Councils, local primary and senior schools (particularly Dothill Primary School and The Charlton School) and Dothill and Apley Woods Local Nature Reserves and other TGSP affiliated groups, Mike regards this as an award to all these organisations, not just to him personally.

'Thanks to all those who said such lovely things about me and the work I have done with their various organisations, including the FDLNR, over the last seven, nearly eight years now. I was very touched. Thank you very much, I regard this as an award for all of us.'

Many congratulations, Mike, from all the Friends, it's well-deserved.

For an update on this award, please go to: River Champion award update