CPRE Hampshire Launches New Awards Scheme

As part of CPRE Hampshire's aim to involve more people within the community in its activities, the branch has included within its 2007 projects the establishment of a new environmental awards scheme, intended to cover a wide range of projects which improve the local environment. The scheme will be known as the 'CPRE Hampshire Countryside and Design Award' and will be run annually.

The CPRE Hampshire Countryside and Design Award consists of three categories:

• Schools
• Voluntary and Community
• Public Sector and Business.

It is hoped that the awards scheme will reward those working to enhance Hampshire's environment and draw attention to the necessity of good environmental practice. Everyone, including CPRE members, the public and professionals are encouraged to become involved by completing an application form and nominating a project they would deem worthy of the judging panel's attention. Entries for the 2008 awards must be in by 21st March 2008.

The criteria for the Schools category will be:

• the use of landscape as an opportunity for learning linked into the curriculum;
• a high level of pupil and parent involvement;
• sensitivity to local ecology and sustainability;
• the possible inclusion of food crops;
• inclusion of a wildlife area;
• the involvement of art;
• evidence of regular work on the project;
• use of recycled materials;
• involvement of the 5 senses; and
• the availability of disabled access.

An example of a school eligible for this award is Warren Park in Portsmouth. Further information can be found at http://www.warrenpark.hants.sch.uk/.

Children at the Warren Park School project

The Voluntary and Community category considerations are as follows:

• the prioritisation of the issues of sustainability and environmental conservation/restoration;
• evidence of local campaigning; evidence of strong links to the community;
• work to be within a rural or urban environment;
• the involvement of volunteers from a range of social sectors and/or age groups;
• and finally, a commitment to, and regular work on, a project and evidence of longevity of works.

A good example of work which would be eligible for this award is that which has taken place at Fullers Vale Wildlife Pond. See http://www.johnowensmith.co.uk/pond/index.htm and http://www.johnowensmith.co.uk/pond/photos.htm.

The Public Sector and Business category is open to business and council-led projects which have made tangible progress towards tackling one or more of the core CPRE issues, including:

• a reduction in light pollution;
• an increase in tranquillity;
• the reduction of night blight or fly tipping;
• a reduction in levels of roadside clutter; or
• the promotion of local foods.

See www.cprehampshire.org.uk for further details regarding CPRE values. The winner would be the project that, in the eyes of the judging panel, has made the most significant contribution to the quality of life of the local community. The CPRE is very much in favour of the promotion of local foods, and Hampshire Fare is a prominent organisation representing local food producers. For more information refer to http://www.hampshirefare.co.uk.

Christopher Napier, chairman of CPRE Hampshire said:

"This awards scheme is a perfect opportunity for CPRE Hampshire to recognise the work of volunteers, schools, businesses and public sector bodies in Hampshire that are showing leadership in conserving and enhancing our environment and countryside; in advancing values which CPRE stands for, such as local foods, tranquillity, and night blight; or in improving opportunities for our children to learn about our landscape and rural issues. We look forward to receiving many good applications now and over coming years."

For all enquiries about the new CPRE Hampshire Countryside and Design Award please contact Becky French - Tel:01962 843655, email: info@cprehampshire.org.uk.

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Notes to editors

CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

For membership information on CPRE, please contact:
Pam Mason, administrator, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 843655
Email:admin@cprehampshire.org.uk

For event media enquiries, please contact:
Becky French, Media and Admin Assistant
Tel: 01962 843655
Email: info@cprehampshire.or.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123   Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney000@aol.com

© Copyright. CPRE Hampshire, 2008. All Rights Reserved.