Gary Farmer, this year’s recipient, is a lifelong naturalist whose knowledge ranges from birds to botany. His particular specialism is invertebrates, having authored a book on Worcestershire’s crickets and grasshoppers and he is considered a county woodlice, millipedes and true bugs expert.

Currently manager of the Vale Landscape Heritage Trust, Gary is passionate about sharing his love for nature with other people through walks, talks and identification courses. Keen to observe the wildlife in his local area, he is an active member of Worcestershire Recorders, Wyre Forest Study Group and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Redditch local supporter group.

Pleased to have received the medal, Gary commented “I have always been obsessed with the natural world, spending time watching and recording wildlife, and carrying out practical conservation tasks both as a volunteer for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and during the past 20 years of my working life.