Part of the selection process allows for nominees to fundraise for charities of their choice.

Each year, the Cadet Vocational College opens nominations, whereby adult volunteers, youth leaders and cadets can put forward a young person who has truly made a difference to those around them, demonstrating star qualities such as selflessness, community spirit or altruism.

The successful nominees go through a series of selection phases, with the final stage being an Awards Lunch at the House of Lords, where the overall winner is announced. The penultimate stage is a 10-day expedition which allows the finalists to take part in community projects which have a focus on conservation and the environment.

This year’s group of finalists visited Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve as part of the expedition, where they learned about the work being completed to protect wildlife as well as getting involved in a variety of activities such as pond dipping, meadow sweeping for insects and bird watching.

As a collective, the nominees completed fundraising activities for their chosen charities. From marathon running to crocheting, the nominees worked hard to raise money for a variety of causes. An amazing £500 was donated to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

Oli from Surrey Army Cadets, one of the finalists for the award, returned to Testwood Lakes for a cheque presentation and to speak about his experience of the expedition: "I have loved my time with Cadet Vocational College through the Westminster Award. I've had the opportunity to engage in adventurous and educational experiences I wouldn't have had the pleasure of doing otherwise and I have made some life-long friends along the way!"

Kerry Barker, Lead Teaching and Learning Manger for South West & Home Counties, spoke about a key focus for the award being to “Think Global, Act Local.” Nominees were encouraged to think about the impacts of humans on the environment and the benefits of making small changes for a larger global environmental cause. By raising awareness on the benefits of supporting your local wildlife, more people become aware of the impact they can have to help rewild natural and urban spaces.

Thank you so much to all the fundraisers for their hard work in raising money for the Trust. Your support is greatly appreciated.

If you’re interested in fundraising for the Trust, please reach out to our Fundraising team at fundraising@hiwwt.org.uk.,