Hampshire Choice Award 2025 – Vote Now

The Countryside Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening across the county; from restoring woodlands, improving access to the countryside or protecting our rivers. These awards celebrate the very best of our county!

Hampshire Choice Award – Your Vote Matters!

CPRE Hampshire is excited to reveal the winners of the 2025 Countryside Awards, shining a spotlight on the incredible projects and individuals who are making a real difference to Hampshire’s countryside and green spaces.

And now, it’s your turn to join the celebration! Among the finalists for the Countryside Awards are the nominations for the Hampshire Choice Award, which is decided by YOU, the public. This is your chance to champion the projects you love most and help us celebrate those who protect and promote the Hampshire countryside – open to all, rich in wildlife and vital in tackling the climate emergency.

Best Housing Solution
Winner: Curdridge Rural Affordable Housing Scheme
Description: This scheme of eight new affordable homes in Curdridge Parish prioritises households in housing need with a local connection. Built on a rural exception site, it delivers much-needed social rent and shared ownership homes for local people.

Green Spaces
Winner: Golden Hill Woods
Description: Situated on the site of an old marl pit, Golden Hill Woods had been left unmanaged for years. Volunteers from Hordle Parish Council’s Golden Hill Working Party have worked tirelessly for six years to enrich and restore this woodland, creating a thriving habitat for wildlife and a welcoming space for the community.

Blue Spaces
Winner: The Anton River Conservation Project
Description: The Anton River, an important chalk stream, was in urgent need of conservation. Volunteers from The Anton River Conservation Association meet regularly to carry out practical work, improving and managing wildlife habitats along this vital waterway.

Countryside Changemaker
Winner: Angela Elder, Wildways Hursley
Description: Angela Elder is the driving force behind Wildways, a local group dedicated to preserving habitats around Hursley village. Her self-taught ecological expertise and unwavering commitment have transformed a modest idea into a valued community initiative, inspiring collaboration with conservation groups and local schools.

Best Access to the Countryside
Joint Winner: Colden Common Permissive Path
Description: A new permissive footpath now links Colden Common Park to the South Downs National Park, fulfilling a long-held ambition of the Parish Council and providing safe access for walkers.

Joint Winner: Ropley Access Improvements
Description: Ropley Parish Council has replaced stiles with kissing gates across its footpath network, improving accessibility for people with limited mobility and delivering on its commitment to inclusive countryside access.

Vote now – it’s quick and easy to do!

Simply fill out a quick online form to cast your vote and help decide who will take home the Hampshire Choice Award. The winner will be announced at the Hampshire Countryside Awards Ceremony, where we’ll celebrate the incredible contributions that make Hampshire such a vibrant and thriving place to live.

Vote now