A PEMBROKESHIRE park ranger who has championed conservation at Castlemartin Training Area for over 20 years has been honoured at the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s Sanctuary Awards.

Lynne Houlston won the coveted Silver Otter trophy at this year’s awards, in recognition her long-standing commitment to conservation management and supporting recreational activities on Castlemartin Ranges.

Lynne began her role as a Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) ranger in June 2003, transforming how the MOD manages a vital training area whilst protecting its significant wildlife and heritage. The role is a unique collaboration, jointly funded by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), PCPNA and Natural Resources Wales.

Lynne’s achievements include working with a wide range of specialists to collect detailed records on the wildlife at Castlemartin Ranges, notably Chough and grey seals, providing vital data on the ecological value of the Pembrokeshire coast. With funding from the DIO Conservation Stewardship Fund, Lynne has also overseen the production of short films about the history of Castlemartin Training Area and shared these with the local community.

Castlemartin Range, located on the south coast of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, serves as both a critical military training facility and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The range holds Special Protection Area status for its rich birdlife and features some of Wales’ most distinguished landmarks, including the Green Bridge of Wales and St Govan’s Chapel.

Lynne Houlston said:

“Because the military have been training here, it’s become an area which has got amazing wildlife and I support in the protection of that wildlife, through species monitoring, species management.

“It’s such a special job, and such a special place!”

Lynne’s achievements were celebrated at the Sanctuary Awards ceremony held at the National Army Museum on 13th October. Winners and runners-up were presented with their awards by Major General Andy Sturrock, Director of Strategy and Plans at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and Air Commodore William Dole, Head of Infrastructure at the RAF.

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said:

“The outstanding work of the environmental torchbearers showcased in this year’s Sanctuary Awards isn’t just helping to make Defence greener but also represents a key element of our defence capabilities and our shift to warfighting readiness.

“From reducing environmental risks to our military infrastructure to investing in more energy-efficient technologies, sustainability underpins the resilience of Defence. By supporting the UK’s net zero targets at the same time as strengthening our national security, this work is helping to deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change.”

Celebrated for over 30 years, the prestigious Sanctuary Awards showcase outstanding efforts to integrate sustainability and conservation within Defence, spanning the MOD’s land and operations at home and abroad. This year’s winners include innovative projects boosting the MOD’s sustainability at the same time as supporting the UK Armed Forces’ operational readiness.

To see the full list of Sanctuary Awards winners and learn more about the MOD’s sustainable development and conservation activities, you can read the latest issue of Sanctuary magazine: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sanctuary