The Countryside Changemaker Award

About the award

The Hampshire Countryside Changemaker awards celebrate individuals who are making a real difference in the Hampshire countryside – through action, advocacy, and inspiration.

• The Countryside Changemaker Award is open to individuals of any age.
• The Rising Star Award is open to individuals under 25 years old.

Nominees must be living or working in Hampshire and show a passion for protecting, improving, or championing the countryside in creative and meaningful ways.

Countryside Changemaker Award Entry Form

Hampshire’s countryside changemakers

This award honours individuals who positively make a difference to the Hampshire countryside. Whether through hands-on action, community leadership, campaigning, or creative storytelling, we’re celebrating those who inspire change, raise awareness, and advocate for rural communities.

What we’re looking for:

• Initiative and Action
  From organising a local litter pick to launching a campaign for affordable rural housing—these awards recognise those who see a problem and take action to solve it.
• Community Leadership
  Individuals who bring people together, inspire others to get involved, and create a ripple effect of positive change.
• Campaigning and Advocacy
  Those who lead efforts to influence decision-makers – whether in government, local authorities, or other institutions – on issues that matter to rural communities.
• Raising Awareness
  Champions who shine a light on the challenges facing the countryside, using their voice to inform, educate, and engage others.
• Storytelling and Place-Making
  People who celebrate and protect special places through storytelling, creativity, or community engagement.
• Passion and Perseverance
  Individuals who stay true to their values, adapt to changing opportunities, and continue to lead with heart and purpose.
• Inspiring the Next Generation
  Those who are inspiring future countryside champions – passing on knowledge, passion, and a sense of responsibility for the land and its communities.

We welcome nominations from people across the Hampshire countryside that demonstrate some or all of these qualities.

Who can apply?

• Please read the category descriptions, criteria and eligibility information carefully. If you are not sure which category to enter please contact opsmanager@cprehampshire.org.uk and we can help.
• An individual can enter themselves or be nominated by someone else. However, all individuals need to give permission to be nominated.
• Projects must be within Hampshire.
• The nomination must be relevant to work taken place from 1st January 2024 to present.
• Past projects are entitled to re-enter but entries must contain new elements on which they will be judged.
• You may enter into more than one category.

Why apply?

• Celebrate Your Impact on people, place, and planet
• Gain Recognition from peers, professionals, and the wider community
• Inspire Others with your approach to rural housing
• Boost Your Profile and attract future opportunities

Winners will receive a £100 prize and gain automatic entry into the CPRE National Centenary Awards, giving your project the recognition it deserves on a larger stage.

On the award application form you will be asked to provide:

• Details about the project and your connection to it
• Contact details
• Information about your digital presence including social media profiles and website address
• Project information, including a 400 word brief description
• Supporting evidence, which may include additional documents, short films or videos
• Up to five supporting photos which will be used to promote the awards as well as your entered project or person
• Details about volunteer contributions including volunteer hours and numbers, if applicable.

How to apply

• Complete the online entry form and submit with supplementary information. Alternatively, download the Countryside Awards Entry Form 2025. Details of where to email or post the award nomination are available on the form.
• The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday 29th September 2025.

Enter Now

The Countryside Changemaker Award is sponsored by Hastoe Housing Association Group.

CPRE Hampshire Awards Welcomes Back Hastoe Housing as Sponsor

The CPRE Hampshire Awards continue to celebrate the inspiring efforts of individuals and organisations working to enhance and protect the countryside. These awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses, and this year we are especially delighted to welcome back Hastoe Housing as a returning sponsor.

Ulrike Maccariello, Development Director at Hastoe Housing, shared her thoughts on the importance of this partnership:

“Tackling the climate crisis requires a long-term commitment at both a national and local level. There’s no doubt it’s tough work and success will involve a combination of advocacy, leadership, action and above all perseverance. The Countryside Changemaker Award sets out to recognise all these attributes and it’s the reason why Hastoe is delighted once again this year to support CPRE Hampshire to highlight the excellent work being done across Hampshire.”

Hastoe’s continued support underscores the vital role that housing associations and local businesses play in driving sustainable change and recognising those who are making a real difference in our communities.