Posthumous national honour for police wildlife volunteer

Peter Grices daughter, Jane, wife Vicky and son Ivan with Theresa May.

Peter, from Burnley, was a wildlife volunteer for the Constabulary for almost eight years, during which time his commitment and devotion to his duties were nothing less than first class.

Lancashire Constabulary enlisted the support of Peter Grice in March 2006 as a wildlife/rural volunteer.

His main role was the monitoring of birds of prey and the confirmation/negation of sightings and nesting sites.

The main species Peter monitored were Hen Harriers, Peregrines, Merlins and Hobby’s, all these are Schedule 1 which means they have the highest levels of protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

While undertaking these volunteer duties, Peter endured a long, painful and difficult battle against bone cancer, which eventually claimed his life in 2014. Throughout his illness he continued to support the constabulary rural policing and wildlife coordinator and became a vital ‘right-hand man’ in providing advice and constructive feedback. He was becoming more aware of his failing health but decided to keep it confidential as he did not want people to feel sorry for him. He always believed he was blessed to be alive and have the loving support of his wife and family.

Lorraine Ellwood, Lancashire Constabulary’s wildlife and rural co-ordinator said: “The time and support provided to our staff as an ‘expert in his field’ is difficult to cost, but in terms of training and knowledge Peter made their role much easier and increased their professionalism. He was able to recite the law relating to wildlife incidents such as poaching, raptor and persecution and be able to ‘talk through’ a wildlife incident with the attending officers, offering advice where necessary. He will be a great loss.”

Peter’s family was presented with the award by Theresa May MP.

Falcon chick nursed back to health