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These five environmental volunteers were hailed as national Green Heroes by the volunteering charity BTCV in the summer of 2006. They collected their awards at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
 JR Groundforce
Speaking at the event the Duke of Edinburgh said: “These inspiring volunteers show us that practical environmental solutions start at a grassroots level and that individuals and small groups of people really can make a difference. Without BTCV volunteers the world would be a greyer, darker place. They bring green spaces to life for both people and wildlife.”
The 2006 winning BTCV Green Heroes were:
• BTCV Volunteers of the Year: Huda Alarashi from Glasgow/Stephen Norris from Belfast
• BTCV Young Volunteer of the Year: Thomas Wretham, aged 13, from Cardiff
• BTCV Community Group of the Year: JR Groundforce, Swansea
• Dave Donohue Award: Sarah Worthington, Buckinghamshire
The winners all received a framed certificate signed by the Duke of Edinburgh and BTCV vouchers worth £300.
BTCV Green Heroes 2006
BTCV Volunteers of the Year
 Stephen Norris/Huda Alarashi
Stephen Norris – a blind volunteer from Belfast, who is a receptionist for Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland. Stephen juggles the busiest time in a very busy office with calmness and humour, but when he’s asking for money, he renames himself The Enforcer.
BTCV Community Group of the Year
JR Groundforce – this Swansea group of nearly 50 children, aged 3-18, have transformed their estate by creating community gardens and holding regular Green Blitz days. They are overcoming the area’s previously undesirable reputation and turning it into a place to which people feel proud to belong. Many of the volunteers have now gone on to apprenticeships, further education or careers.
 Thomas Wretham
Thomas Wretham, aged 13, from Cardiff - Thomas has helped transform a wooded area from a fly tipping zone, rife with vandalism, into a place where kids can play safely. He has won the hearts of all involved with his constant enthusiasm and responsible attitude, even when covered head to toe in pond mud.
BTCV Dave Donohue Award
 Sarah Worthington
BTCV Spring into Action campaign
Spring into Action is BTCV’s current volunteering campaign, running 1 May – 7 June 2006. It will offer over 700 mostly free events, where you can try out activities such as wildlife gardening or dry stone walling.
Inspiring People, Improving Places. BTCV is the UK’s leading practical conservation charity. BTCV connects people with places, builds healthy, sustainable communities, and increases people’s life skills. It aims to create a better environment where people from all cultures feel valued, included and involved.
BTCV supports 140,000 volunteers a year taking hands-on action to improve their urban and rural environments, and a Community Network supports local groups. BTCV offers regular conservation tasks, UK and International Conservation Holidays, the BTCV Green Gym®, training opportunities and an on-line Shop making products and services accessible to all.
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