The chief executive of Essex Wildlife Trust has been awarded an MBE for services to wildlife and the environment.
John Hall joined the trust 28 years ago as a conservation manager in a team of four staff, becoming chief executive the following year – a role he is retiring from later this year.
Now the trust has 120 staff and more than 2,000 volunteers, overseeing 8,200 acres of land.
Mr Hall, 63, said: “It is a fabulous recognition for me and the work of Essex Wildlife Trust.
“I have been privileged to lead the trust for the last 28 years and I didn’t expect something like this.
“We have achieved some great things over the years, and this is great credit to all the staff and volunteers who are a great bunch of determined, intelligent people.”
Mr Hall, who lives in Abberton, said one of his proudest achievements was bringing the trust’s work out of its reserves and into communities – which also encourages wildlife to re-colonise the landscape.
“The few people I’ve been able to tell are pleased for me, which I am grateful for, and I am pleased for the organisation,” Mr Hall added.
“As a new chief comes in later this year it is a particularly nice time for me personally to get this acknowledgement.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here