CPRE Hampshire to celebrate those making a difference with the Countryside Awards 2023

CPRE Hampshire launched their 2023 Countryside Awards, supported by Hampshire County Council, at the charity’s recent Annual General Meeting.

Designed to celebrate the beautiful, diverse and thriving local countryside, the awards are back after a brief hiatus due to Covid. With the last awards taking place in 2019, the charity is delighted to once again have the opportunity to recognise and acknowledge those who help cherish, support and sustain our vital rural environment.

The Awards are made up of four categories. The Landscape Award, sponsored by Hastoe Housing, is for any initiative, large or small, that utilises or protects countryside features whilst enhancing our green spaces. Examples could include repurposing derelict land, community gardens or managing public spaces for biodiversity.

The Sustainable Communities Award, sponsored by Newbury Building Society, is for any development, scheme or project that actively works to implement a sustainable approach. Examples could includeprojects such as development of buildings, infrastructure, facilities or landscape in rural or urban areas.

The Grassroots Award is for anyone acting on a countryside issue that is relevant to their immediate or local area. For example, this could include conservation projects, work on recycling or anti-litter initiatives.

The Environmental Education Award is for projects, schemes or initiatives that connect people to the countryside through teaching and learning. This could include projects such as work with schools or young people, educational initiatives, career incentive schemes or new research.

Margaret Paren, CPRE Hampshire Chair explains: “We are very pleased to have the Countryside Awards back to be able to put a spotlight on individuals, groups and businesses that are working hard to deliver something back to the countryside. We are lucky in Hampshire to have many beautiful green spaces but it’s vital we continue to work to protect and enhance them. Both in terms of their visual impact and the valuable resources they provide. We can’t wait to see what the 2023 entrants will come up with but I’m sure it will make judging a tough process.”

As well as the four award categories, the winners and runners up will automatically be entered into The Hampshire Choice Award. This voting process will be put to the Hampshire public for them to decide.

For further information on the awards and how to enter, visit our Countryside Awards webpage.