A city councillor has been nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award.
John Rudge, a Liberal Democrat representing St Nicholas ward in Worcester, has been recognised for his environmental work, including the restoration of a neglected pond at Corfe Avenue.
The nomination was submitted by Worcester resident Jon Taylor.
Mr Taylor said: “I wanted to nominate John because of the incredible work he has done at Corfe Avenue.
COUNCILLOR: John Rudge is a Lib Dem councillor on Worcester City Council (Image: Liberal Democrats)
“He took on an overgrown and neglected pond and, with the help of a small team of volunteers, transformed it into a wildlife haven.
“The results of his hard work and dedication are impressive, and I felt it deserved recognition.”
Cllr Rudge led the project alongside community members.
Together they cleared years of overgrowth and revived the pond for the benefit of wildlife and residents.
His environmental efforts extend beyond Corfe Avenue.
As a member of the city council’s Environment Committee, he has supported biodiversity improvements across St Nicholas ward and the wider Warndon Villages area.
POND: Councillors Sarah Murray and John Rudge at the pond in Corfe Avenue (Image: Phil Wilkinson-Jones/LDRS)
He also takes part in regular community litter picks organised by the Warndon Wombles.
Cllr Rudge has played a key role in the restoration of Offerton Lane Nature Reserve.
The site contains two balancing ponds that manage surface water from the M5 and Warndon Villages but had become overgrown following years of neglect.
Cllr Rudge has campaigned to secure council support and funding for the project.
Volunteers from the Worcester Environmental Group have helped clear overgrown areas, and ecological surveys are underway for protected species, including Great Crested Newts.
Cllr Rudge welcomed the nomination but emphasised the collective effort behind his environmental work.
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He said: “I’m honoured to have been nominated, but this recognition really belongs to the volunteers who have worked alongside me.
“Whether restoring the pond at Corfe Avenue, caring for Offerton Lane or taking part in community litter picks, it’s amazing what can be achieved when people come together to look after the places they care about.”
The BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate individuals who improve life in their communities.
Cllr Rudge’s nomination recognises his practical conservation work and his commitment to uniting people to protect the natural environment.
