On Wednesday, 22nd January, the Ocean Conservation Trust held its Volunteer Awards Ceremony at the National Marine Aquarium. The event celebrated the incredible achievements of volunteers across the city. We’re thrilled to share that five of our amazing volunteers were honoured with awards, recognising their outstanding efforts and passion for Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.

Here are the winners and their achievements within our team:
Dave – Sunshine in the team
For this award, we nominate a volunteer who never fails to make us laugh and always has a smile on his face. From his funny finds on beach cleans to falling asleep whilst doing important survey work, Dave always has the team smiling and laughing. Dave goes above and beyond for PSNMP. Thanks to Dave and his wonderful ideas and crafty skills, our Christmas Volunteer Social saw the team enjoying a fun-filled evening making driftwood tree decorations. No matter what the event, Dave always shows up ready to get stuck in and learn with us. His can-do attitude and welcoming personality inspires our team and it’s always a delight to see his friendly face at so many of our events. His commitment to our programme is incredible and his valuable opinions have helped us shape our volunteering programme into what it is today. So thank you Dave for being our ‘Sunshine In The Team’.
Lloyd – Biggest Smile
For this award, we nominate a volunteer who’s smile and jolly persona makes our team and the people we work with, feel so welcome. With his kind heart and funny jokes, Lloyd always supports the PSNMP team with a smile on his face. At so many of our events, Lloyd is the friendly face that the public meet, and his passion for Plymouth and the marine park shines through in each and every conversation. He is always willing to try something new and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. Lloyd’s passion for public engagement has seen him engage with people across Plymouth at various events in the two years he has volunteered with PSNMP. Lloyd did an incredible job welcoming hundreds of people to The Lido across Seafest weekend last summer, and during every interaction and conversation, he was always smiling. With his friendly face, warm personality and ongoing support of PSNMP, he is an invaluable member of our team. So, thank you Lloyd for being such an incredible volunteer with the most brilliant smile!
Rachel – Volunteer of the Year
Rachel is a driving force in the PSNMP volunteer program. A dedicated, hardworking, and caring individual, she has brought so much to everything we do. If we need advice, Rachel is always the first to help out. Her happiness and sense of humour spread through the team, and come rain or shine, Rachel ensures everyone is enjoying themselves and feels supported. Her unwavering commitment and positive attitude make her an invaluable member of the team.
Caroline – Helping Hand
Caroline is a true joy to work with. Her “happy to help” attitude has been invaluable this year. She particularly shone during the Drake’s Island Swim, where she ensured that everyone had an unforgettable experience, all while contributing to the vibrant culture of Plymouth. Caroline’s calm and patient demeanor, along with her willingness to step in whenever needed, make her an indispensable asset to the team.
Jonas – Brightest Spark
Jonas is always pushing himself to the highest level and continuously seeks ways to grow and learn. He’s doing a fantastic job preparing himself for the working world by seizing every opportunity available to him. From giving talks on sharks to supervising new volunteers, Jonas has excelled in every task he’s taken on. His enthusiasm and dedication to learning are truly inspiring, and his willingness to mentor others showcases his leadership potential. Jonas is an exceptional young person with a bright future ahead.
We’re incredibly proud of all our volunteers and their dedication to Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Their hard work and passion play a vital role in protecting and celebrating our beautiful marine environment. A huge congratulations to all the award winners and nominees—you inspire us every day!