East Keswick Wildlife Trust Receives The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
East Keswick Wildlife Trust, a dedicated group of conservation volunteers, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2026. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
For the past 36 years, East Keswick Wildlife Trust and its army of volunteers have worked to safeguard local sites of wildlife importance and have established five local nature reserves, all with permissive public access. The Trust’s founding principles are conservation and the education of the public, particularly young people, in the understanding, enjoyment and conservation of our natural flora and fauna.
East Keswick Wildlife Trust is one of a number of UK charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to support their communities. It celebrates groups that are truly outstanding and making a big difference to their local community, groups where volunteers rather than paid staff are in the driving seat and groups that have the highest standards in everything they do. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2026 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Recipients are announced annually on 14th November.
David Smith, Chairman of East Keswick Wildlife Trust, comments “The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is much more than an honour for East Keswick Wildlife Trust. It will increase public awareness, attract volunteers and funding, strengthen partnerships and support the Trust’s long-term conservation work, safeguarding local wildlife and natural habitats for future generations.”
For further information, please visit www.ekwt.org.uk or info@ekwt.org.uk
East Keswick Wildlife Trust is a registered charity, number 1182308.
14 November 2026