Wildlife lover honoured with award after his death

Colin Attenborough's projects included introducing Highland cattle to the nature reserve

A man who dedicated his life to the community and helped transform a nature reserve has been recognised with an award five months after his death.

As chairman of Friends of Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve in Derby, Colin Attenborough helped change the area from a "dumping place" to a thriving community space.

BBC Radio Derby, which featured Colin as a guest numerous times, has awarded him with a Green award in its 2024 Make a Difference Awards.

The award was officially received by his daughters Julie Froggatt and Jane Gordon, but Colin was told about it before he died.

"We are very proud of him," said his daughter Julie.

"It's an honour to be picking it up because he would have loved to be picking it up himself. He would have loved that, he really would."

Colin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just before Christmas, and he died in April aged 87.

He was told he had won the award in a phone call from radio presenter Andy Twigge.

"Twiggy that's marvellous," Colin said.

"Oh all those people, those kind people who've nominated me. What can I say? Eh thanks everybody, ever so much."

Colin's family accepted the award on his behalf

He was nominated in March by Beverley Rhodes, a fellow volunteer at Friends of Sinfin Moor Park.

"Sinfin is one of the most deprived areas of Derby and when I first came across the site the area was a dumping place," she said in her nomination, adding that it was "a place people avoided".

But she said the local nature reserve had "its own thriving community because of Colin".

The projects he oversaw in his time as chairman included the planting of Jubilee Wood in 2012 and the introduction of Highland cattle.

The nature reserve's cafe was renamed after him following his cancer diagnosis, so that he can be remembered forever.

"He has provided an indelible mark and his influence needs to be celebrated at the highest level, for his honourable and lasting legacy and for the amount he has given to Sinfin and Derby wildlife," said Beverley.

Colin's final wish

BBC Radio Derby reporter Jack Tymon, who knew Colin well, said: "After meeting Colin many times as part of the Radio Derby breakfast show, he became more than a guest, he became a friend.

"His energy, exuberance and enthusiasm for life was palpable, which made listeners fall in love with him."

As well as being passionate about wildlife, Colin was a devoted Derby County fan.

Prior to his death he said he would "love it" if he could "hang on" to see the club promoted.

Derby County boss Paul Warne then said in a video message that his side would aim for promotion and do it for the lifelong fan.

Colin got his wish - Derby achieved promotion back to the Championship on 27 April and Colin died two days later.