MORAG Leiper, of Windermere, has been shortlisted in a nationwide search by the World Wildlife Fund to find Britain’s unsung environmental heroes.

The competition — called ‘Hidden Heroes’ — has been launched as part of WWF’s Earth Hour.

It hopes to highlight and recognise inspirational people who have gone the extra mile in helping to improve the environment in their local community.

WWF’s Earth Hour takes place at 8.30pm on Saturday, March 23 when hundreds of millions of people across the globe will be turning off their lights for one hour, to show they care about the future of the planet.

Morag was nominated on behalf of her friend, Marina Ramsden, after she responded to WWF’s quest to find those who have been helping to improve the environment in their local area.

Morag undertakes several small-scale projects both in Cumbria and South Africa, setting up garden shares, teaching about permacultures and raising awareness of the integrity of some foods and where they are bought from.

Her work has had a big impact on communities in South Africa with AIDS, who she has taught to feed themselves using permaculture.

“The work she does here at home and In Africa is vital for both communities,” Marina said. “It might seem small, but everything she does has a big impact on us and the environment.”

Morag is in the running to receive a £500 cash prize to support a green initiative of her choice. If successful, Morag will be invited to receive her award and celebrate Earth Hour at a ceremony in central London on March 23.

 

* Editor's note: An incorrect photograph was used with an earlier version of this story. We apologise for the error.