The Awards are made annually by the Trust in partnership with The Wildlife Trusts and recognise the work of volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to marine conservation. The winners are chosen by the Founder and Chairman of The Marsh Christian Trust, Mr Brian Marsh OBE.

Mandy Fall became a registered volunteer with Coast Care during the summer of 2019, following a move to the area and a desire to volunteer within the conservation sector. Living on the coast with unspoilt views across Northumbrian beaches and the expanse of the North Sea, it was only natural she should take a keen interest in marine wildlife and conservation.

The coastal champion was nominated for this year’s award by the Coast Care team for her services as a Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteer, a great interest in conservation and her involvement in a number of roles and tasks across the initiative - dedicating over 70 hours of her time in the past year.

Mandy's coastal ‘patch’ is perfect for a wildlife enthusiast, as she regularly spots bottlenose dolphins and porpoises. She has joined Coast Care on Shorewatch events to spot them, took part in this year's National Whale and Dolphin Watch and surveys for dolphins in her free time - reporting her data back to Marine Life's North East Cetacean Project.

During lockdown, Mandy monitored three oystercatchers and took in the highs and lows of their nesting attempts over the summer. Once lockdown restrictions eased and people returned to the coast, she lifted 408kgs from the coastline through her site warden role and with other organisations - 350kg alone in fishing rope was removed from the beaches

Becky Bass, Coast Care Project Manager said: “Mandy is just one of hundreds of volunteers who have dedicated their time to Coast Care but she really has gone above and beyond to assist in marine conservation. She is a fabulous member of the team, always keen to muck in and learn new skills to further her knowledge and ways in which she can help the cause. She really deserves this award and I and the team are so privileged and proud to have her on board as one of our volunteers.”

Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts awarded Mandy with a certificate and a £500 cash prize at a recent virtual awards ceremony. Many said: “I was totally overwhelmed and amazed to hear I had been nominated for a Marsh Award by the team at Coast Care and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, and to be awarded the joint runner up prize is wonderful.

“My love for nature and wildlife, especially around the coast, has developed into a passion for all things marine and led to a determination to do what I can to help protect our coastal and marine ecosystems.

“Joining Coast Care has been an opportunity to meet and work with like-minded people who care as much as I do, and I feel that this award is as much them as it is for me.”