A teenage volunteer who works in Sherwood Forest has been named as a recipient of the Points of Light Award ­— the Prime Minister’s own accolade for contributions made by inspirational volunteers.

Indy Kiemel Greene (pictured) became the 1,945th person to receive the daily award since it was started in 2014 for his commitment to the environment and bird conservation.

Since he began volunteering in 2018, 17-year-old Indy has helped to lead guided nature walks at Sherwood Forest and Budby South Forest.

He also gets hands on with practical conservation work at the reserve and takes part in regular bird surveys to monitor the health of species that nest and breed at Sherwood and Budby.

In December, Indy received the President’s Award from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which has managed the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve for the past four years.

The award is given to just six RSPB volunteers each year — out of a volunteer community of 12,000 people — to celebrate the hard work and commitment of those who go the extra mile.

Indy recently appeared with fellow volunteer Jack Baddams on the BBC’s Springwatch series, highlighting the work being done at Sherwood to monitor the population of lesser spotted woodpeckers.

“Sherwood Forest has always been my local patch since I was little and I love helping out on all the conservation work parties here,” he said.

“Seeing the site transform and all the new species arriving thanks to all the work we’re doing is just so satisfying.

“Volunteering is the most satisfying thing I do. Working alongside like minded volunteers making a difference to my local environment is such a richly rewarding experience.

“To receive the Point of Light Award alongside so many other amazing volunteers is quite an honour.”

Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, added: “We are thrilled to learn that Indy was chosen as a recipient of this award.

“At a time when Nature is in crisis and so desperately needs all of us to be fighting for it, having passionate, inspiring, and knowledgeable young advocates such as Indy is absolutely vital.”

Coun Ben Bradley MP, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, which works in partnership with the RSPB at Sherwood Forest, added: “Indy deserves this award as he is such a passionate advocate for conservation work. The work he has done at Sherwood Forest and with the RSPB is truly inspirational.”