Howard Wood receives OBE
Howard Wood, the chairman and co-founder of Community of Arran Seabed Trust, (COAST) has received an Order of the British Empire, (OBE) for services to the marine environment. Howard, his wife Lesley and two children Martin and Jenna travelled to London on Friday, May 6 where HRH The Prince of Wales presented him with the honour at an investiture at Buckingham Palace. Howard told The Banner: ‘I was delighted to receive the award from HRH The Prince of Wales, who is an ardent and passionate supporter of marine conservation.’ Prince Charles is president of the Marine Conservation Society.
‘I am extremely proud to receive this honour, which would not have been possible but for the achievements of COAST, the hard work of COAST staff, volunteers and our widespread support on the island. The whole family really enjoyed our day out at the palace, it was an unforgettable experience.’
COAST was founded in 1995 with local diver Don MacNeish and it has been instrumental in supplying the Scottish Government with marine management proposals that led to the creation of the No Take Zone in Lamlash which was designated in 2008. Howard was also the source of marine survey records that provided the support for the South Arran Marine Protected Area proposal which is now up and running.
As the chairman of Coast, Howard has forged strong links with those involved in the industry including the government, Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine Scotland and fishermens’ associations and he has also appeared before parliamentary committees on a number of occasions. Since its founding COAST has won an Observer Ethical Award in 2008, a Nature of Scotland Award for Marine Conservation in 2014 and last year Howard received the prestigious international Goldman Environmental Prize for his work with COAST over 20 years.