Community Green Group Nominated for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
We are incredibly proud to share that Boston Spa, Wetherby & Villages Community Green Group has been nominated for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour given to volunteer groups in the UK.
Often described as the MBE for volunteer organisations, this nomination recognises the outstanding contribution of our volunteers to environmental action, community wellbeing, and education across Boston Spa, Wetherby and surrounding villages.
Co-Founder Penny Stables says "When we first set up the Boston Spa, Wetherby & Villages Community Green Group, our hope was simply to bring neighbours together to make a practical difference for our local environment. To see our shared efforts now recognised with a nomination for The King’s Award for Voluntary Service—the highest honor a volunteer group in the UK can receive—is incredibly humbling. This nomination truly belongs to every single volunteer who has rolled up their sleeves to plant trees, fix up bikes, monitor our rivers, help run ecofairs, or shared their story. It is a testament to the immense power of grassroots, community-led action, and I couldn't be prouder of what we have built together to make our communities greener, healthier, and more connected."
A Community-Led Movement Making a Real Difference
Since our formation, the Community Green Group has worked with a clear purpose: to reduce carbon emissions, increase biodiversity, and reduce waste — translating these goals into practical, visible improvements across our local area.
As one community supporter wrote:
“In a short time, the Group has achieved so much with a committed volunteer core and a remarkable range of skills. It has transformed how people think about and act on environmental issues locally.”
From tree planting and wildlife corridors to river protection, cycling initiatives and energy advice, our work has helped create a healthier, greener and more connected place to live.
Protecting Nature and Biodiversity
Our Trees & Wildlife volunteers have planted native trees and hedgerows, created wildflower meadows, built habitats for insects, and established a growing community orchard.
A supporter shared:
“The work on biodiversity has made the area richer in wildlife, more attractive and more resilient for the future. These are changes that will benefit generations to come.”
We are especially proud of our work with local schools, helping young people learn about habitats, pollinators, wildlife protection and climate action — ensuring environmental education starts early and lasts a lifetime.
Championing Cleaner Rivers and Healthier Lifestyles
The River Wharfe is central to our local environment and community life. Our volunteers have played an active role in citizen science water-quality monitoring, helping raise awareness of pollution and supporting efforts to protect the river for walkers, swimmers, paddlers and wildlife alike.
At the same time, initiatives such as Big Bike Fix have seen over a thousand donated bicycles repaired and redistributed — supporting refugees, jobseekers and those unable to afford transport, while reducing waste and promoting active travel.
As another nomination letter noted:
“This work improves health, reduces car journeys, supports social inclusion and makes sustainability accessible to everyone.”
Making Sustainability Accessible to All
Through energy fairs, recycling campaigns, litter picks, excess food stalls and advice events, the Community Green Group has worked hard to turn concern for nature and climate into practical action.
Another local resident summed it up perfectly:
“The Community Green Group puts big ideas like climate, biodiversity and waste reduction within the grasp of ordinary people — by sharing knowledge, experience and encouragement.”
A Nomination That Belongs to the Whole Community
While the nomination is a tremendous honour, it truly belongs to every volunteer, every supporter, every school, every business and every resident who has been part of this journey.
Above all, it recognises the power of grassroots action — neighbours coming together to care for their environment, support one another, and build a more sustainable future.
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered, donated time or resources, shared expertise, attended events, or simply supported our work. Thank you also for our nomination. Whatever the outcome (which we will hear in November), we are immensely proud of what we have achieved together 
Your Community Green Group Trustees; Adrian, Penny, Nicola, Mike, Keith, Karen and the team
