A new award has been launched in memory of an Isle of Wight man, who worked as a countryside officer at the council.
For more than 39 years, Bob Edney was employed by the local authority. He died in 2020, just before lockdown.
In his role, Bob looked after a number of locations on the Island, including Yarmouth's Fort Victoria Country Park.
It was there where family, friends and colleagues paid tribute to him, celebrating his life and work and dedicating a new award in his honour.
Joining Bob's family and colleagues were current and former councillors, charity workers, contractors and volunteers.
The Bob Edney Countryside Conservation Award is a new annual award, supported by the Isle of Wight Council, to reward an individual or organisation making a contribution to conserving and enhancing the Isle of Wight’s countryside.
The award winner will receive £1,000, and nominations are open now, until November 30.
The award is to celebrate an individual or organisation that can show a positive lasting impact on the management and enhancement of the countryside on the Isle of Wight - just as Bob Edney spent his life doing.
Former council countryside manager Matthew Chatfield worked with Bob for over 17 years.
Matthew said:
"The Island's countryside is a better, more enjoyable place for us all because of Bob's work.
"For someone who was very private, he had an exceptional ability to get on with people.
"So many individuals, landowners, parish councils, charities, companies, and more have had help, advice and support from Bob for so long.
"He was the friendly, trustworthy face of the council to so many people, and that is perhaps the aspect of his work that will be missed the most.
"This award is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life helping others working to conserve and enhance the beautiful landscapes of the Island."
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