A VOLUNTEER who has worked to conserve Ministry of Defence land has been recognised for more than 40 years of dedication.

The annual Ministry of Defence Sanctuary Awards showcase environmental initiatives across MoD-owned land, known as the defence estate.

Richard Hull was a runner-up for the MoD Sanctuary Individual Achievement Award,

for his many years of conservation work at the Fingringhoe Ranges.

Richard’s passion for the land began after his first visit to the Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve in 1962, where he spent many hours in a bird hide overlooking the ranges.

In 1970, he became the volunteer ornithologist for Colchester Garrison’s Conservation Group where he continues his weekly bird surveys to this day.

Richard’s lifelong work has been a huge effort, producing a large volume of data to the British Trust for Ornithology and the MoD.

His data has helped in the planning of two new ranges.

Richard is also a professional artist specialising in birds and he has painted many on the ranges and has also produced a book of his paintings and data collected.

Richard Brooks, assistant head of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation for Safety, Health, Environmental Protection and Sustainability, said: “Richard’s dedication to this voluntary work has had an incredibly positive impact on the development of Fingringhoe Ranges.

“His years of passion and hard work make him extremely worthy of his award.”

This work represents a range of conservation projects taking place in the Colchester area.

A series of recording days were held last year where naturalists and wildlife experts were invited to help record the array of animal and plant life on the ranges.

MoD Range staff together with Landmarc and Essex Wildlife Trust, Natural England and Community Payback workers have planted an area of sea hog’s fennel to support Essex’s rarest moth populations - the Fisher’s estuarine moth.

Visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/sanctuary.