The winners of the 2014 UK National Parks Volunteer Awards were announced last Friday, highlighting the contribution by individuals and volunteer groups to the betterment of Britain’s ‘breathing spaces’.

Stuart has served the National Park since 2009 and is renowned for his dedication, last year putting in roughly 100 days of volunteer service.

Speaking about the award he said: “The award means a lot to me, as all the volunteers would have been very deserving winners. So to be picked for the award I am delighted.” Stuart said he got involved in volunteering to spend more time in the outdoors to learn new skills, meet new people and to help others. The 38-year-old told the Reporter: “Being in the great outdoors in all seasons, exploring the National Park, discovering new places and knowing that the work we do makes a difference and helps preserves the future of the park.

“I would recommend volunteering to anyone. There are so many benefits and personal rewards to giving your time volunteering. Including meeting new people, new skills, new experiences, new opportunities and there are also the huge health benefits. Try a few different volunteer roles until you find the right one for you and you won’t look back.” Fiona Logan, chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, added: “I am delighted that Stuart has been awarded Volunteer of the Year. He is an asset to the National Park and has delivered a huge amount of volunteering since he started with us in 2009. Stuart is reliable and always goes above and beyond to help others, his dedication is nothing short of inspirational.” The awards are an annual opportunity for the UK’s National Parks family to thank its hundreds upon hundreds of volunteers.

This year’s judging panel comprised television presenter and outdoor enthusiast Helen Skelton, TV presenter Julia Bradbury, National Parks UK, Director Kathryn Cook, and Simon Vingoe UK marketing manager of National Parks brand partner Merrell.

The winners of the four award categories were as follows: Stuart Crawford, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, was awarded Volunteer of the Year; Jerome Bass, Northumberland National Park (CNP Mosaic Project), was crowned Young Volunteer of the Year; Nancy Oldfield Trust, Broads, was named as Volunteer Group of the Year; and Kirknewton Archaeology and Walking Festival, Northumberland National Park won Volunteer Project of the Year.

The group and project winners will each received a £1,000 bursary to help ensure future volunteer activity.