02 December 2025
The Green Flag Award England is thrilled to announce the winner of the 'Best of the Best' award for Young Volunteer of the Year 2025: Ethan Dando, in recognition of his exceptional dedication and profoundly positive influence within his community garden.
The Green Flag Award England is thrilled to announce the winner of the 'Best of the Best' award for Young Volunteer of the Year 2025: Ethan Dando, in recognition of his exceptional dedication, initiative, and profoundly positive influence within his community garden.
Ethan represents the very best of young volunteering—a passionate, reliable, and inspirational figure who has strengthened the bonds between people of all ages and abilities through his commitment to nature.
Leadership and innovation beyond his years
Ethan has been a committed and reliable volunteer for several years, giving up his time every Sunday to ensure the garden remains a thriving, welcoming community hub. What makes Ethan truly exceptional, however, is the initiative he has demonstrated in creating truly inclusive spaces.
Ethan demonstrated outstanding maturity by taking full ownership of the Play Tots Garden area. He ensures this space is meticulously cared for and enjoyed by younger children and families, transforming it into a safe and engaging environment where children can learn about nature through play.
Equally important is his unique ability to connect with and support adults with additional needs who volunteer in the garden. Ethan offers unwavering patience, encouragement, and respect, ensuring everyone feels valued. His presence has been transformative, giving volunteers the confidence to take on new tasks and fostering an atmosphere of inclusion that reflects the garden's true community spirit.
A mentor and role model
Ethan's contribution has had a significant and lasting impact on the confidence and skills of others.
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Inspiring younger children: Ethan has stepped into a natural mentoring role, guiding younger children through simple but meaningful activities like planting seeds, watering, and spotting wildlife. His kind approach helped a group of children grow their very first sunflowers, a simple act that sparked lasting excitement about nature and filled them with pride.
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Building confidence in adults: His support for adults with additional needs has been remarkable. His reassurance has helped boost the self-esteem and resilience of volunteers, who now eagerly look forward to working alongside him each week. Ethan ensures they feel proud of their contributions, making the garden a place of dignity and connection.
Ethan’s consistency and energy have helped the garden flourish, not just as a green space, but as a place of wellbeing, learning and pride for everyone involved.
Overcoming obstacles to inspire change
Ethan's journey highlights the power of volunteering in building personal resilience. When he first joined the community garden, Ethan struggled with a lack of confidence.
Through his determined volunteering, Ethan has grown enormously. By consistently pushing himself outside his comfort zone to connect with children, families, and adults with additional needs, he has found ways to share his knowledge and enthusiasm despite his challenges. His growth in confidence has been clear to all who work with him, moving from quiet hesitancy to actively guiding volunteers and taking responsibility for the Play Tots Garden.
Ethan’s story is a powerful reminder of how dedication and community engagement can empower individuals to overcome personal obstacles and grow into true leaders.
Congratulations to Ethan Dando, the inspirational Green Flag Young Volunteer of the Year!
