Congratulations to John Houlgate Southrepps Commons Nature Reserve for his British Empire Medal awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Retired London police inspector John Houlgate, of Southrepps, has been awarded a BEM for his conservation efforts, which have seen the overgrown and neglected village commons turned into a well-used, accessible community resource.
After moving to Southrepps nearly 20 years ago, Mr Houlgate immediately threw himself into village life, joining the Southrepps Commons Management Committee as secretary, before helping form the Southrepps Commons Trust.
Through his leadership and commitment, the group has gone from strength to strength, transforming the 25-acre SSSI, installing a 600m boardwalk and forging links with the local primary school.
Mr Houlgate, who praised his army of nearly 50 volunteers for their support, said: “I feel extremely flattered, but I am also genuinely embarrassed as there are so many other people who work selflessly for the village.
For more information on the Southrepps Commons Trust CLICK HERE and look at the amazing work that John and all the other incredible team do to look after our beautiful commons.