Also recognised was Estelle Bailey, the chief executive of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxford Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), who was appointed MBE for her services to nature’s recovery.
Ms Bailey started at the trust as a volunteer 27 years ago.
“It’s been the most incredible journey, having loved nature as a child and been so connected to it, but also in that time watching its decline and worrying about the future and wondering what I could do to help,” she said.
“It’s been a journey of love and a journey of passion – and that will never leave me.”
She said receiving the letter saying she was being awarded an MBE “took my breath away”.
“I’m so, so delighted,” she said.
“Charitable life is really hard… it’s not well paid and you have to fight really hard to get money to do work.
“It was just that moment of recognition for me that was just really, super special.”