A volunteer who is passionate about conservation in Dorset has been awarded a British Empire Medal.

National Trust volunteer John Newbould was recognised by the King in his birthday honours list.

He has received the honour for voluntary services to ecological surveying and data entry in locations such as Golden Cap.

John has been volunteering as an ecologist for the National Trust since 2004 and has completed surveys on many of the National Trust’s properties in Dorset.

For the past few years, he has been a volunteer team leader for the West and North Dorset Volunteer Ecology Group of around 20 volunteers.

John has worked tirelessly for the National Trust creating a legacy that will be valuable for years to come. Since forming the ecology group in 2016, John has helped new volunteers to develop a variety of specialist skills including bat surveys.

John led the Biodiversity Conservation Assessment for the Golden Cap Estate, which is the most extensive property conservation assessment undertaken by the Trust to date.

He said: "I am really pleased that I have been included in this year’s Birthday Honours List with the award of a British Empire Medal for Voluntary services to Ecological surveying and data entry.

"In reality, this is one for the whole of the Dorset team, particularly the other volunteers."

Leo Henley Lock, Countryside Manager for North and West Dorset, said: "This is wonderful news and the award is well deserved. John has worked tirelessly over the past 20 years, and we are all delighted to see him get this recognition."