Environmental & Animal Care Shortlist 2025

A regular volunteer with Bray Tidy Towns, Adeleh started up a Residents Association in her estate, Elgin Wood.  Apart from the usual Residents Association tasks, Adeleh was particularly interested in implementing some of the recommendations made in the Bray Biodiversity Action Plan.  The Action Plan mentioned both the small wooded copse at the entrance to the estate and the green area at the top of the road.  The copse is home to a number of trees including Ash, Douglas Fir and Sycamore. This area is rich with native understory including Hawthorn, Elder, Alder and Holly. The area was once a popular site for dumping green waste and rubbish, which is harmful for biodiversity, but Adeleh knew with a little work and education, it could become a useful space. She installed two new enclosed compost heaps as well as art by local artists and stunning local wildflowers. Elgin Wood now has a rewilded meadow and fruit trees. Adeleh has also submitted requests for three Tree Protection Orders for historic, 200+ year old trees to continue a legacy of care for the area.  

Ashling organizes a Community Clean-Up Day in Santry—an initiative she has been championing for the past few years in collaboration with the 18th Santry Scouts and local neighbours. Working with An Taisce, she makes sure that the group has equipment and supplies for Her tireless efforts have not only brought the community together but have also garnered the support of local businesses, all aimed at fostering a cleaner, more vibrant environment. This also means that the streets are safe for vulnerable people, like children or older people, living in the area. She also initiated the planting of a memorial tree at the Kilmardinney Inn, creating a lasting tribute to those who have been a part of our community. 

A beautiful safe environment is not the only benefit of these community clean-ups. Afterwards, the community gathers for tea and chats, building connections and strengthening the sense of care they have for each other. This meet-up is frequented by community figures like TDs, councillors and neighbours and make sure that people don’t feel isolated.  

For more than 60 years, you can find Ray behind the wheel of the Irish Blue Cross’ mobile ambulance. Ray’s role involves welcoming animals and their humans, preparing paperwork, assisting vets and providing warmth and reassurance to worried patients. His role extends far beyond logistics; he brings humanity to every interaction and calm leadership to every clinic. He transforms what might otherwise be a stressful visit into a comforting and positive experience. For many who use the mobile clinics, their pets are cherished family members, and Ray’s presence provides reassurance, understanding, and compassion when they need it most. Over the decades, Ray has seen everything, from rabbits and lizards to hens, horses, and snakes. 

“Ray Hurley is more than a volunteer” writes his nominator, “he is a living legacy of everything the charity stands for: compassion, reliability, and the belief that kindness, given freely and consistently, can change lives. In every smile he gives, every clinic he drives, and every pet he helps, Ray carries forward the spirit of volunteerism at its very best.”