THE Welsh ornithologist, nature enthusiast and broadcaster, Iolo Williams, was awarded a prestigious honour in recognition of his outstanding achievements throughout his career.

The award was presented by The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales at the end of his talk, A Career in Conservation, held at the Blake Theatre on October 29.

The company was founded in 1933 by members of the London Livery Companies living in Wales.

They have a charitable fund from the awards and scholarships which are given to the recipients, and the nominations are made from people within the Livery company nurturing Welsh talent.

Iolo received the award in the category of Outstanding Achievement, which goes to an individual with Welsh heritage who has progressed to the top in their profession and made great contributions to Wales.

After receiving the reputable award, Iolo expressed his gratitude: “I feel very honoured, as I don’t win many awards.

“I can’t remember the last one I won; and for it to be such a prestigious award, you get the feeling of, I haven’t done much, to deserve it; all I have done is my job.

“I am genuinely honoured and a little bit lost for words.”

Previous recipients include Michael Sheen, Sir Karl Jenkins, Jeremy Bowen, and many other iconic Welsh figures.

Before his talk at The Blake Theatre, Iolo spoke with pupils from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School who have a keen interest in sustainability.

The conservationist said he knew from around the age of four that he would pursue a career in wildlife. Alongside his broadcasting work, for the BBC and S4C he also leads guided nature tours. One of his favourite things, he said, is seeing people’s faces light up when they encounter wildlife and nature that truly fascinate them.

As his career progressed, he has learnt a lot about the industry and offered advice to those who wish to follow a similar path, “If it’s really what you want to do, don’t give up.”