Three volunteers who know all about putting their backs into the development of Heartwood Forest have received awards for their efforts from the Woodland Trust.

Judith Parry, Brian Legg and Tim Wright, all from St Albans, have won prestigious Volunteer of the Year awards for their work at the new forest in Sandridge.

Judith received the Acorn Award for the most inspiring Woodland Trust volunteer at the charity’s annual volunteer conference while Brian and Tim received the Willow award for the best collaborative achievement.

The awards were presented by chief executive of the Woodland Trust, Beccy Speight, and Woodland Trust President, the TV presenter Clive Anderson.

Judith received two nominations for her award. She acts as a volunteer photographer for the trust and her endeavours have helped encourage many new groups to visit the forest.

Brian and Tim were nominated by Heartwood site manager Louise Neicho who said: “It’s difficult to easily summarise the incredible amount of work both Brian and Tim do, and how much it is appreciated by the Trust. They both support events such as work parties or guided walks, and have become central to the volunteering community.”

A community tree planting event is being held at Heartwood this Sunday, November 16.