Police wildlife crime expert awarded MBE

Craig Fellowes has received recognition from the National Wildlife Crime Unit for his contribution to training

A retired police officer who spent more than 40 years tackling wildlife crime has been awarded an MBE.

Craig Fellowes was "one of policing's top wildlife experts" and used his knowledge to train others including officers and volunteers, Warwickshire Police said.

He became the force's wildlife crime officer in the 1990s and became a training consultant after retiring from the force in 2013.

Mr Fellowes, from Warwick, was recognised for services to wildlife protection in the King's Birthday Honours.

He developed training courses for police officers on badger persecution and to also help them combat the illegal trade in endangered species, the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) said.

Head of the unit Ch Insp Kevin Lacks-Kelly congratulated him and said such expertise was hard to come by.

“Craig is a perfect example of someone who gives his all in the fight against wildlife crime and the illegal wildlife trade. He has trained in excess of 10,000 people in the UK and across the world," he said.

Mr Fellowes thanked his wife and family for their support and said the MBE was also for police wildlife officers around the country and colleagues in the crime unit who always went "that extra mile and mostly in their own time".

He also praised "all the partner organisations who dedicate their time to defend our wildlife".