2025 BMC Volunteer Awards presented at first ever Basecamp weekend
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) gathered this past weekend for its much-anticipated Basecamp Festival, combining community connection with a celebration of exceptional volunteer contributions.
Held at Thornbridge Outdoor Centre in the heart of the Peak District from 8-10 August, Basecamp: A BMC Festival featured hill walking, climbing, fireside chats, yoga and even a delicious paella feast.
Alex Hughes, Event Co-Ordinator at the BMC said,
"It was a great weekend to celebrate our volunteers, welcome new people into our community, and share the joy of adventure with them. It was also a fantastic opportunity to connect with our members while taking part in our activities. We look forward to building on our events strategy and as we open up our activities for all".
Agustin Guardiola, the BMC's National Elected Chair for Mountaineering and Chair of the North West Area, said:
"I really enjoyed the BMC Basecamp - it was refreshing to connect with people outdoors and have the kinds of conversations that just don’t happen in Zoom meetings.
"Out there, with less time pressure and more human connection, the discussions felt more meaningful. Everything from what's worked well in one area to the changes we wish to see develop and improve our BMC. It was also great to finally put faces to so many names."
During the weekend, the 2025 Volunteer Awards were presented, honouring individuals whose dedication has strengthened climbing, hillwalking, access and conservation across the UK.
Meet the recipients of the 2025 BMC Volunteer Award Winners
Honorary Membership – Colin Knowles
Awarded for over 40 years of sustained service, including roles as BMC Director, IFSC representative, access advocate, and developer of member-facing systems.
George Band Award (Exceptional Voluntary Contribution to Mountaineering) – Mike Rosser
Recognised for decades of thoughtful leadership in safety, training, and youth development within BMC and Mountain Training structures.
Lord Greaves Award (Access & Conservation) – Iain Peters
A committed advocate for coastal access in Cornwall, North Devon, and Somerset, most recently securing sustainable arrangements at Carn Gowla.
Jessica Baker Award (Young Person Outstanding Volunteering) – Catrin Rose and Ella Brewes
Catrin Rose, active in competition judging and event organisation since her teens, is noted for professionalism and being calm under pressure.
Ella Brewes has taken the lead in access work in Northumberland, maintaining routes and building relations with landowners to preserve climbing areas like Kyloe and Addyheugh.
Highly Commended
- Austin Knott – Founder of the UK’s only year-round volunteer-led BMC hill walking programme.
- Marti Hallett – Key to access restoration at Skeleton Ridge and ongoing efforts across the South Coast.
- Marc Bellingall – Led clean-ups, re-equipment projects, and access agreements at Peak-area crags.
- Freddie Naish – Vital figure in shaping UK competition climbing strategy and performance pathways.
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