On Saturday 15 June Val Riley, from Leek, was recognised for her wildlife conservation on the King’s Birthday Honours list.

An active volunteer with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) for most of her life, Val has contributed so much time to helping maintain the charity’s Staffordshire Moorlands nature reserves. She's also co-ordinated and led volunteer groups, surveyed and recorded the flora and fauna of the reserves, and run walks and talks.

Julian Woolford, Chief Executive, said:
“Val deserves this recognition for all she has done for us and her local community. Her passion for where she lives, its countryside and wildlife is exceptional. Well known in the local community, she is a massive advocate for wildlife and a huge source of enthusiasm and energy. Her plant ID skills are incredible; a skill we often call upon when assessing new land.

“Over the years Val has also helped us raise thousands of pounds to purchase new nature reserves, she has stood alongside the Trust in public meetings, and freely offered her passion and knowledge of local reserves.”

On receiving news of her MBE Val said: 
“When I opened the official letter, I went into in complete shock! I feel very humbled and lucky to get this recognition. It’s way beyond my expectation to be awarded an MBE for something that I just love doing.

“I get such a buzz out of surveying new pieces of land for the Trust, where you never know what you might find! I really enjoy introducing people to the natural world, particularly wildflowers which are my passion.

“I especially love running the volunteer sessions at Swineholes Wood, which is part of the Ipstones Edge Nature Reserve. Some former volunteers have gone on to do amazing things for conservation all over the country, so it’s fantastic to have helped them get started on that journey.

“I’ve always had a love of wildlife but when I finished my career as a PE teacher, I had the chance to expand my nature knowledge. I took a bird course and this led me to find Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. I’ve always loved being outdoors, it brings me such peace. Wildlife has so much to offer us.”

Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves and Species Recovery, said:
“Val is simply amazing! Her energy knows no boundaries. She never stops. She is in her element scrambling up a steep slope recording a rare plant species, or leading her group of volunteers at our Swineholes Wood Nature Reserve.

“Val is an excellent, patient and inspiring teacher. She’s extremely knowledgeable in plant identification and so encouraging to those who are just starting to learn about the wonders of the UK’s wildlife.”

Val has been a volunteer for the Trust for almost 50 years. The driving force behind the Leek Local Group of the Trust for over 40 years and has helped raise over £100,000 towards the Trust’s conservation work. She’s been involved in SWT's conservation work at Swineholes Wood Nature Reserve for a similar length of time, leading the conservation volunteers there. In addition to this, Val has carried out countless botanical surveys for the Trust and local landowners.

“Val is a force for wildlife. We congratulate her on her MBE and wholeheartedly thank her for all she does. We’re very lucky to have the support of so many other volunteers across the county too. They are all special to us and we simply couldn’t achieve half of what we do without them. Many of them have supported us for decades, giving so much of their time and support for so many different reasons,” Jeff added.