AN eco pioneer from Wyre Forest has been named among the West Midlands’ latest Green Leaders.

The judging panel was impressed with John Iles’s role in setting up the Wyre Community Land Trust (WCLT) to get local people involved in returning economically inactive land intro production.

Organised by Sustainability West Midlands (SWM), the competition celebrates and promotes some of the most influential people currently driving the agenda to help the region achieve a low carbon economy and society by 2020.

The Green Leaders will be invited to use their new platform to share and pass on their experiences, skills and knowledge to the next generation of professionals.

George Marsh, chairman of SWM, said: “This year, our Green Leaders again feature a diverse group of individuals, who are all having a positive environmental impact in helping the West Midlands achieve its vision for a low carbon economy.”

Mr Iles’s vision for WCLT has led to projects spanning 300 acres over 21 locations under 14 different owners.

They features a suckler herd of pedigree Dexter cattle and a volunteer force for assisting in all aspects of farming and conversation work.

The Green Leader, a director of Bewdley Development Trust, also provides training and support to land owners.

Mr Iles said: “Spreading the low carbon message is crucial and we all have a role to play in helping the area reduce its carbon footprint and embrace new environmental technologies.”

Mr Marsh said: “In February, 2011, we published the West Midlands roadmap to a low carbon future in 2020, focusing on seven priorities for action for create job creation, carbon reduction and improved quality of life.

“The strategy is in place and we now need people like John Iles in Wyre Forest to help make the vision a reality.”

Sustainability West Midlands, the sustainability adviser for the leaders of the West Midlands, shares a vision where business and communities thrive in a region that is environmentally sustainable and socially just.

It is private sector-led, cross-sector and a not-for-profit organisation, acting as a catalyst for change through advice to leaders, developing practical solutions with members and sharing success through its communications and events programme.