Wildlife heroes across Yorkshire have been honoured for their dedication to nature.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s first-ever Wildlife Hero Awards celebrated individuals, businesses and community groups making a lasting impact on the region’s natural environment.
The awards were launched in April to mark the trust’s 80th anniversary and attracted more than 100 nominations across nine categories.
Rachael Bice, chief executive of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: "We wanted to recognise and thank the people working tirelessly and often behind the scenes to make a difference for wildlife and nature’s recovery across Yorkshire – they make our green spaces richer, more colourful, healthier and rich in wildlife, inspiring communities and future generations along the way.
"Fixing green spaces isn’t just important for the wildlife they support, they are also our vital lifelines – for health, mitigating the costs that come with flooding and drought, and opportunities for crucial connection with the wildlife on our doorsteps."
Winners, highly commended nominees and finalists were invited to a celebratory event at York College.
Craig Bennett OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, attended as a special guest and presented the owl-themed trophies.
Among the winners was Robert McAneney, who took home the Farmer award.
Mr McAneney, Yorkshire Water’s first tenant under its Beyond Nature Next Generation Farming Programme, was recognised for his work at Scow Hall Farm.
He has implemented rotational grazing, improved soil management and encouraged natural woodland regeneration to support biodiversity.
In the Young Person category, Abdurrahan Butt was honoured for completing more than 100 hours of volunteering this year.
Their conservation efforts include protecting York’s rare tansy beetle, leading litter picks and building bug hotels for pollinators.
The Community Group award went to the Addingham Environment and Saplings Group.
Founded in 2016, the group now has around 400 members and runs projects focused on tree planting, wildflower meadow management and species monitoring.
Other winners included Tamsin Constable for policy advocacy, Katie Andrews for wildlife influence, and Ann Hanson as an environmental professional.
Forest of Flowers won the Business category for transforming more than 100 acres of land near York into a haven of woodland, meadows and wetlands.
Wyke Sixth Form College and its Eco Club students were named Nature-Friendly School for their student-led conservation work.
Dr Richard Grayson was recognised in the Researcher/Academic category for his work on peatland restoration and the EU WaterLANDS project.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said the positive response to the awards means they could return every two to three years.
Ms Bice said: "There are wildlife heroes in every community and every generation, our natural world needs you more than ever.
"Join with us by speaking up, leading or taking part, volunteering, restoring green spaces on your doorstep so together we can drive recovery for a wilder, healthier Yorkshire."