County Council employees awarded Worcestershire Wildlife Medal

This year’s recipients, Rebecca Lashley and Cody Levine, are both being recognised for their efforts to promote nature conservation across the county. Currently both working for Worcestershire County Council, Rebecca and Cody are driving forward preparation of the county’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which aims to restore habitats and conserve species at risk of decline.

Having worked for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Worcestershire Biological Records Centre before moving to the County Council, Rebecca has spent her entire career working to promote wildlife in the county. 

Now the Council’s Principal Nature Recovery Officer, she’s synonymous with the work delivered by the Biodiversity Partnership, has led the County’s work to bring together local planning specialists to investigate opportunities to maximise the biodiversity benefits accruing from statutory Biodiversity Net Gain and co-led the production of the seminal Worcestershire State of Nature Report in 2023.

Rebecca commented “I’m honoured to have been chosen as a recipient of this year’s Worcestershire Wildlife Medal. The Trust has been such an important part of both my career and my family life here in Worcestershire and I’m proud to be recognised amongst those who have received the award before me.” 

Cody brought international conservation experience to his work in Worcestershire when he returned to his home county more than 20 years ago. 

As Ecology Team Leader for the County Council, Cody is a key player in both the Local Nature Partnership and Green Infrastructure Partnership and leads on the Worcestershire Habitat Inventory, a combined environmental dataset detailing the county’s habitats on a field-by field basis, providing information that underpins decision making at all levels in Worcestershire.

Cody commented “The list of previous medal recipients are basically my Worcestershire wildlife heroes, so I’m beyond delighted and a bit overwhelmed to be mentioned amongst such talented conservationists. Thank you so much Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.”

Both Rebecca and Cody are passionate about sharing their conservation knowledge and enthusiasm for the natural world with others, both professionally and as volunteers. On topics ranging from black poplars to noble chafer beetles, Rebecca has delivered several engaging training courses for the public, professional ecologists and land managers. Cody has offered his expertise and insight in sessions designed to encourage better integration of wildlife into development.

Launched in 2000, the Worcestershire Wildlife Medal recognises individuals who have devoted a significant part of their careers or lives to conservation in the county. It is presented to recipients at the Trust’s AGM each October.

Christianne Tipping, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Chair, explained “To ensure that there is a place for nature in Worcestershire’s future, we need to encourage people to become advocates for the natural world. 

“It’s so important to acknowledge and celebrate inspirational individuals like Rebecca and Cody who have dedicated their professional lives, as well as much of their personal time, to protecting wildlife and inspiring others to do the same right across our wonderful county.”

Read more about the Worcestershire Wildlife Medal and previous awardees on the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust website.