​Colwall Orchard Group (COG), based in Colwall, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, an accolade equivalent to the MBE for an individual. The award, announced as part of the King’s Birthday Honours, recognises outstanding contributions made by UK voluntary groups to their communities. Edward Harley CBE, Lord-Lieutenant for Herefordshire, said: “I am delighted that the Colwall Orchard Group has been awarded this honour. “It demonstrates how volunteers can come together to support each other and also create opportunities for the wider community to enjoy and learn about their beautiful surroundings.” COG is one of 280 organisations across the UK to receive the award this year. The group is dedicated to restoring and celebrating traditional orchards, promoting wellbeing, and connecting people with nature through hands-on conservation work and community engagement. John Stock nominated the group for the award, with Colwall Parish Council supporting the nomination in a letter highlighting the group’s achievements. The council said: “The magnitude and impact of COG’s work, as well as its importance for the local community, would truly be difficult to overstate. “They raised thousands in grants investing in nature, dug tonnes of soil, affected millions of blooms and bees, produced smiles and continue to change lives and the world around for the better.” Volunteers meet weekly throughout the year to restore orchards, plant trees, develop wildflower meadows, lay hedges, and build wildlife ponds. They also work with schools and community groups to share skills and promote environmental awareness. Lindsay Williams, chair of Colwall Orchard Group, said: “Colwall Orchard Group has over 200 members of whom 81 are regular volunteers. “There are no paid staff and volunteers run every aspect of COG contributing the equivalent of seven full time annual staff. “We meet every Friday with an average of 32 people working on improving the local environment. “COG has become a community itself where volunteers support each other, nature and the wider community.” Colwall Orchard Group will receive the award crystal and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant for Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley, OBE at a ceremony being arranged for next spring.