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Wildlife enthusiast collects her MBE

From the archive, first published Thursday 28th Aug 2003.

A PRESENTATION ceremony was held in Truro to honour a women who has made conservation her life-long work.

Stella Turk was presented with an MBE at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's headquarters during its open day last week, recognising her work conserving Cornish marine and countryside environments over the past 60 years.

"I am astonished at the recognition I have received," she said. "I am surprised that I should have been singled out of all the people who work for the trust." The veteran environmentalist was presented with her award by the Queen's representative, Lady Mary Hol-borow, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall.

Mrs Turk has been working in conservation since she was 16, and was a founding member of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. "I'll carry on as long as I can," said the 78-year-old, who is still responsible for collating reports of dolphin strandings around Cornwall.

Ba Whitehead, central services manager at the wildlife trust, said: "Stella's such a lovely person, so dedicated. Everyone who comes into contact with her is touched by her enthusiasm."