The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) is celebrating a triple success at this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards, with volunteers and community projects recognised in Scotland, London and Northern Ireland.
From Belfast to Clackmannanshire to East London, TCV volunteers and community groups were recognised for their outstanding contributions to people and nature, demonstrating the powerful impact of community action across the UK.
The BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate people and groups who go above and beyond to improve the lives of others and make a positive difference in their local area.
EPIC volunteers recognised in Scotland
TCV’s Scotland team and our EPIC (Enabling Projects in Clackmannanshire) volunteer programme received a fantastic Highly Commended recognition in the Environmental category at the BBC Radio Scotland Make a Difference Awards.
The recognition shines a spotlight on our incredible EPIC volunteers, who have grown into a remarkable community movement over the past six years. Bringing together people aged 17 to 71, the group shares a passion for nature and a commitment to improving local green spaces for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
Through practical conservation activities across Clackmannanshire, EPIC volunteers have made an extraordinary contribution to nature recovery and community wellbeing. Together they have:
- Planted 17,500 trees
- Created 20,000m² of wildflower meadow
- Removed 9,200m² of invasive species
- Improved 57km of footpaths
Their work spans more than 60 sites across the county, from the slopes of the Ochil Hills to the heart of Alloa. Nearly a third of all activity takes place in neighbourhoods within the most deprived 20% nationally, helping to ensure more people can access and enjoy nature wherever they live.
Volunteers join EPIC for many different reasons. Some are looking to improve their wellbeing, others want to develop new skills, connect with their community or give something back to places they care about. For many, the programme has been life-changing, providing confidence, friendship, purpose and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Pippin Searle, Assistant Director at TCV Scotland, said:
“We’re so proud of the EPIC volunteer group being recognised in this way for all they do to protect and restore inclusive green spaces across Clackmannanshire for people and for nature. Over the last 5 years, hundreds of people have come together and made a significant contribution to enhancing local biodiversity, fostering stronger community ties, and creating access to nature for everyone to enjoy.”
Harrison Ngunjiri recognised in London
Volunteer Harrison Ngunjiri, who supports TCV’s Biodiversity Action Team (BAT) in East London, was recognised in the Environmental category at this year’s BBC Radio London Make a Difference Awards.
Having first joined TCV’s Green Gym in Waltham Forest during the London 2012 Olympic year, Harrison has now completed an incredible 897 volunteer sessions, making a lasting contribution to local green spaces, wildlife and the wider community.
When Harrison first joined TCV, he lacked confidence in his abilities and faced significant challenges linked to his special educational needs. Over time, his confidence grew and, seeking a new challenge, he became an integral member of the Biodiversity Action Team.
Harrison says he enjoys “nature and the environment and helping to keep them clean”. He also values “using the tools, creating friendships and helping others in the community”.
David Allen, TCV Health and Education Team Leader, said:
“Harrison is a long-standing TCV Waltham Forest volunteer who has overcome significant challenges to volunteer and enhance nature reserves, parks and other green spaces for wildlife and the local community. It’s a well-deserved recognition for all his hard work. We’re all really proud. Congratulations, Harrison.”
Many people will also recognise Harrison as the winner of the Local Environment Protector Award at the 2025 TCV Hero Awards.
We are immensely proud of everything Harrison has achieved and grateful for the positive difference he continues to make for people and nature in Waltham Forest.
You can also listen to Harrison and David discussing the award in their BBC Radio London interview at 3hrs 38 mins.
Annadale Community Garden recognised in Northern Ireland
Annadale Community Garden in Belfast was also recognised at this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards.
In less than a year, Lynsey and a dedicated team of local volunteers, supported by TCV, have transformed a small patch of lawn into a thriving community garden for people and wildlife.
Using donated and repurposed materials, including raised beds and whisky barrels from a previous TCV project, volunteers have created a welcoming space featuring a polytunnel, pond and composting area. Today, artichokes, potatoes, green beans and strawberries grow alongside colourful wildflowers including poppies and clover, helping to support pollinators and biodiversity.
Located just off Belfast’s busy Ormeau Road, the garden brings together people of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers have developed skills in propagation, fruit and vegetable growing, woodworking and site management, while building friendships and strengthening community connections.
The garden also provides opportunities for outdoor learning, helping local children discover more about pollinators, native plants and wildlife. With goalposts, bikes and play equipment nearby, children can enjoy both sport and nature in the same welcoming space.
Lynsey and the volunteer team’s vision has created far more than a garden. It has become a catalyst for community action, learning and connection, demonstrating how local people can work together to create lasting change.
Sharon Crainey, TCV Operations Leader, said:
“We are so proud to work alongside Lynsey and her community group as they create a welcoming green space for people and nature. Their work is enhancing biodiversity, strengthening community connections, and transforming a hidden haven into a valuable environmental learning and social hub for everyone to enjoy.”
The project was also recognised this year as runner-up in the TCV Hero Awards‘ Health & Wellbeing Champions category. Read more about the project’s recognition by BBC Northern Ireland.
Three Stories, One Shared Impact
These three recognitions showcase the incredible commitment of TCV volunteers, community groups and staff across the UK.
Whether restoring habitats, creating opportunities for people to connect with nature, transforming local spaces for wildlife, or bringing communities together, each project demonstrates the power of local action to create lasting change.
Everyone at TCV congratulates those recognised at this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards and thanks them for everything they do to support people and nature.
Keep up to date with the latest news and activities from The Conservation Volunteers by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, BlueSky and YouTube.
You can also sign up to receive TCV’s Greenzine e-newsletter for more ways to get involved.
