The Christopher Cadbury Medal

Rosemary has played a leading role in documenting the natural history on the Isles of Scilly, an area which she fell in love with more than 60 years ago. Her career spanned working with the Natural History Museum, Nature Conservancy Council, English Nature and various Wildlife Trusts, while she has authored many papers, articles and books about British wildlife.

Over the past three decades, Rob has played a pivotal role in establishing and managing nature reserves, leaving an enduring mark on the landscape. His influence extends through key positions at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, Sheffield Wildlife Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Beyond his direct contributions, Rob's impact resonates widely, including his significant roles at Rewilding Europe and as Director of Landscape Recovery at the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. Notably, he spearheaded the UK Atlantic Rainforest Programme and founded the IUCN-UK Peatland Programme, showcasing expertise in peatland conservation. Rob's dedication to nature conservation, evident through diverse roles and fundraising successes, has significantly elevated public awareness and engagement in the British Isles and Europe.

Ray has dedicated over 40 years of his life to nature conservation, and his contribution to our knowledge of the natural history of mid-Wales is unsurpassed. He is a popular and gifted writer, walks leader, lecturer and a natural teacher who is endlessly generous with his time. He frequently takes part in radio and television programmes and has a wonderful ability to explain complex ecological relationships, making people aware of how fragile and important our wildlife is. He has been directly responsible for increasing memberships and donations at Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, and as a trustee, his network of contacts has attracted grants and contributions to the work of the Trust for many years.

Barrie has been with Lincolnshire wildlife Trust for over 70years contribution. Still active and youthful in his 80’s, he epitomises equality, diversity and inclusion before its time.

Ian has been a force for nature in his 50 years in conservation. Ian created a large network of volunteers to promote and deliver conservation. He has also identified many nature reserves and sites, which are now protected for nature. Ian has done a lot of this work in his free time as a volunteer with many organisations including Northumberland Wildlife Trust. Wherever Ian goes, he inspires people with his passion and enthusiasm. Ian has been awarded the volunteer medal for his contribution to conservation and Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

In 2019 the Cadbury Award was presented to an individual who is deeply revered amongst his colleagues, both old and new.

Skipper's Island is the hidden gem of the Hamford Water National Nature Reserve, half a kilometre from the Essex mainland. When the tide is in, the island is only accessible by boat and for six decades the aptly named Ray Marsh has been the volunteer warden of this wonderful site. He was working on the island before most of the current Essex Wildlife Trust staff and many of its Trustees were even born, 

Ray has not merely been involved in the management of this 94-hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest - he has lived and breathed it, and has led the entire stewardship of this incredible island. 

It's no exaggeration to say that in conservation terms, Ray is an Essex legend. A more humble man you could not wish to meet, but a lifetime's commitment to one site is nothing short of staggering. Essex Wildlife Trust owes Ray a huge debt of gratitude and he is a shining example for future nature conservationists. He has shown what can be achieved through sheer hard work, dedication, perseverance and a passion for wildlife. 

David is, without a doubt, one of The Wildlife Trusts' great pioneers. Over the past fifty years he has been an important leader, not only for Sussex Wildlife Trust, but also for the entire Wildlife Trust movement.

In 1961 David acted as a founding member of Sussex Wildlife Trust and has been central to guiding its work through his role as President. He played a pivotal part in securing a brighter future for key wildlife sites, such as Pagham Harbour, Chailey Common, Rye Harbour and Seaford Head. 

Fifty years ago, Davi described conservation as: "the planned long-term management of the countryside and its natural resources for the benefit of the community as a whole, without prejudice to its productivity or potential." That remains as apt now as it was then. 

Dr Nick Tregenza, Vice President of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Having been a Trustee of Cornwall Wildlife Trust for nearly 40 years and its Vice-President since 2012, Nick’s lifelong commitment to conservation is more than evident. He is best known for his pioneering work in raising both awareness and public involvement in the conservation of cetaceans and other large sea creatures. He played a large part in creating what would be the UK’s first ever dedicated bycatch observer programmes as well as going on to establish Seaquest Southwest. Over the last 20 years or so he has become known as the world’s leading authority on the development and use of instruments for acoustic monitoring of cetaceans and deterring them from becoming entangled in fishing nets.

Joan Edwards, Director Public Affairs and Living Seas, The Wildlife Trusts.
Joan has made, and continues to make, a truly amazing contribution to marine conservation, and to nature conservation as a whole. Joan has campaigned tirelessly for the increased protection of our seas. Probably her single greatest achievement, which she achieved by transformational leadership of The Wildlife Trusts movement and wider voluntary sector, was the Marine and Coastal Access Act which received Royal assent in 2009.  

Dave has been volunteering at Rutland Water Nature Reserve for over 35 years, and in that time has succeeded in inspiring staff, apprentice wardens and volunteers alike. An inspiring all-round naturalist, his personal expertise and tuition has had a huge impact on the nature reserve, especially through the trainee staff.  He has inspired hundreds of members of the public to fall in love with wildlife.

Anne has almost continuously been a Trustee of a Wildlife Trust over the last 20 years and has made an exceptional contribution to the effective operation of the movement. As Chair she has ensured Cumbria Wildlife Trust deliver top quality nature conservation such as the award winning restoration of Foulshaw Moss, the largest restoration of a lowland raised mire in the UK and the purchase of Eycott Hill. 

Frances Cattanach, conservationist and Director of the North Wales Wildlife Trust
Over three decades Frances has seen the number of Welsh Trust reserves rise to 35. Frances took a leading role in helping the Welsh Trusts work more effectively together and has championed the importance of a Welsh perspective to RSWT’s outlook. Of particular importance has been her underwriting of the Welsh Beaver Project. 

Stephen Martin, a lifelong member of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Stephen was the driving force behind the creation of the impressive North Cave Wetlands. Stephen spear-headed the campaign to rescue the former quarry from becoming a landfill site, which has now become of one the best new wetlands in the north of England, with forty pairs of avocet, breeding Mediterranean gulls, little ringed plovers and over 220 species of birds recorded so far.

Over three decades Hugh has played leadership roles within three major conservation organisations – Honorary Treasurer of RSPB, Chairman of Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust as well as Chairman of BBOWT. In addition his own personal commitment has included stewardship of his Buckinghamshire farm for the rare black hairstreak butterfly and enabling a re-introduction initiative of Golden Eagle chicks from his Perthshire estate.

Ian has served as expert adviser for the Shropshire, Staffordshire and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trusts. For more than thirty years he coordinated monitoring on a significant number of Nature reserves throughout the region and has been a strong supporter of the need for adequate recording of species and habitats there and in Montgomeryshire. His pioneering efforts to bring the Dutch green hay strewing technique to Britain resulted in a number of hay meadows being created around Wolverhampton and Staffordshire. This also led to a considerable body of research work by Ian and his students to advance understanding in this area.