As part of the 2011 50th anniversary celebrations, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust launched the county’s first ever nature and business awards dedicated solely to nature. The awards were set up to publicly recognise and reward county businesses who actively contribute to Gloucestershire’s wildlife and wild places.

The launch at the House of Commons in London wasjointly sponsored by county MP’s, Martin Horwood MP, Cheltenham, and Richard Graham MP, Gloucester.

“There are over 40 Gloucestershire businesses showing their support by attending the awards ceremony today” said Dr. Gordon McGlone, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. “All of the companies that are with us today , contribute to nature in Gloucestershire over and above what they need to do.”

The awards have been judged by Mark Gale, Trustee of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, David Owen, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire First, Dr. Gordon McGlone, Chief Executive and Lynn Toon, Head of Fundraising and Marketing of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Avon Metals were delighted to be honoured with the Nature Works Education Award for the business that most effectively helps people understand and contribute to wildlife.

Avon have supported environmental education projects in Gloucestershire, in particular at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Slimbridge. Avon Metals won the Queens Award for Enterprise in 2009 for sustainable development.