The kings of a wildlife frontier on the edge of Farnham are feeling royally pleased as they’re getting the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The Tice’s Meadow Bird Group will receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Services for their tireless work at the beauty spot near Badshot Lea.

The award was created in 2002 to celebrate the HRH The Late Queen’s Golden Jubilee with recipients announced today (Thursday) to coincide with The King’s birthday.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, will present a crystal award and certificate signed by His Majesty to representatives from the group later this year.

Two volunteers will also attend a summer garden party in Buckingham Palace along with representatives of the 281 counterparts to also receive the award for their outstanding work in the community.

“I am delighted for all of our volunteers and supporters that we have received this prestigious award,” said TMBG Chairman, Mark Elsoffer.

Tices Meadow Farnham Willow Clearance
A working party clears willow at Tice's Meadow (Alan Wynde)

“This award is recognition of all of the hard work that our volunteers put in managing Tice's Meadow Nature Reserve and delivering award-winning biodiversity monitoring and community engagement activities.”

He added: “The TMBG would like to thank Councillor Alan Earwaker (former Mayor of Farnham) and Iain Lynch (Farnham Town Clerk) for nominating us, Alan Wynde (Rotary Club of Farnham Weyside) and Gemma Ball (Badshot Lea Village Infants School) for writing letters of support, and our KAVS assessors Caroline Breckell and Joosje Hamilton.”

The community-led nature reserve is one of the most important sites of its kind in the region as more than 200 birds have been sighted at the 150-acre haven in recent years. The former quarry is rich in biodiversity and has been designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and Asset of Community Value with both Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils.

Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve is located directly adjacent to the proposed McDonald’s at Tongham Services
Tice’s Meadow Nature Reserve. (Neil Randell)

Readers can find out more about the reserve and the work of volunteers on Saturday, December 21, as extra hands will be welcome for the group’s last work party of the year.

“I look forward to celebrating this good news with all of our volunteers at our next work party on Saturday 21st December,” added Mr Elsoffer.

“Winter is our busiest time of year, so please do come and join our volunteer work parties if you have some spare time and would like to help make a difference for nature and local residents”.

For more information about Tice's Meadow Nature Reserve visit www.ticesmeadow.org