A Barnet man was last night recognised as a local hero during an ethical awards ceremony.

Dr S Oliver Natelson, 71, of Friern Barnet, was given the Local Hero award at the 2012 Observer Ethical Awards.

Dr Natelson was selected for having spent over 30 years campaigning for woodland and nature reserves in Barnet.

For 25 years Dr Natelson has been going to Coppetts Wood in Finchley every Sunday to work on the protection of the area’s rare plants and animals.

He has been involved in regenerating woodland, ponds and meadows for the wildlife.

The retired teacher said: “I am still floating on cloud nine, winning this award was wonderful news.

“It’s wonderful news for conservation and for everyone who tried to do something to help.

“We are helping these creatures and it is a wonderful feeling. You almost imagine a smile on their faces.”

Dr Natelson has also fought for the protection of the area’s green belt, as well as being involved in the fight to save Friern Barnet Library.

For his next big project he hopes to set up an environmental centre at Coppetts Wood where he would display educational materials.

He hopes that he would be able to invite local schools to the centre where he would give a talk on the woodland as well as a tour.

The Observer Ethical Awards are in their seventh year of celebrating projects, businesses, ideas, campaigns and activists making sustainable change a reality.

At the award ceremony, which took place in London, primatologist Jane Goodall was honoured with The Observer’s lifetime achievement award.

She was given the award for her contribution to the development of understanding of the natural world, and of chimpanzees.