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Living Countryside Awards 2016 winners announced

Warden Abbey Community Vineyard Warden Abbey Community Vineyard Barry Halton

People from across the county gathered at the beautiful setting of John O'Gaunt Golf Club last night, to recognise and celebrate the people and projects making a positive difference to Bedfordshire's environment and countryside. The Awards were presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, on Tuesday 4th October 2016.

In his opening words, CPRE Bedfordshire’s chair Gerry Sansom paid tribute to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers that are active across Bedfordshire working to enhance and safeguard our countryside and greenspaces.

The awards were given in four categories. The top entries in each category were awarded the CPRE Mark, which are those that our judges felt really stood out as inspiring best examples.

The winners are listed below, and a pdf describing each shortlisted winner can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. More information about the event and awards will appear in the next day or two.

CPRE Living Countryside Awards 2016 Winners List

Sustainable Enterprise
In this category we were looking for examples of people, businesses or groups - ambitious enterprises - that are not only fulfilling their own goals, but doing so in a way that benefit both our environment and our communities.

  • CPRE Mark – Warden Abbey Community Vineyard, Old Warden
  • CPRE Mark – Clophill Eco Lodges
  • Shortlisted - Black Cat Farm Shop Expansion, Roxton

Biodiversity and Landscape Improvement
This category recognises those who are enhancing the natural environment. All of these projects can inspire others, and in the best examples they have encouraged local people’s interest in the site and encouraged them to become part of the work to enhance the area.

  • CPRE Mark – Galley & Warden Hills Grazing Project, Luton
  • CPRE Mark – Mowsbury Hillfort, Bedford
  • CPRE Mark – Pages Park Community Garden, Leighton-Linslade
  • Highly Commended – Heathland Restoration on Lord’s Hill, Rushmere Country Park, Heath & Reach
  • Commended – Putnoe Wood, Bedford
  • Commended – Harrold Odell Country Park Boardwalk

Building Design and Restoration
In this category we recognise the buildings and developments that are positively contributing to the evolving character of Bedfordshire’s town and country. We were looking for well designed projects, which are sensitive to the historical use or the natural character of the site. The best examples have done this to a very high quality, enhancing the local surroundings.

  • CPRE Mark – The Swiss Garden, Old Warden
  • CPRE Mark – Jordans Mill, Broom
  • Commended – Re-thatch of Maulden property by Master Thatcher Chris Dodson
  • Commended – Heron View Visitors Centre, Rushmere Country Park

Youth Award
New this year – this category recognises the young people and schools who are making a positive difference to their local environment – and in turn are encouraging a love of the outdoors and natural world in the future generation.

  • CPRE Mark – Woodlands Secondary School, Luton
  • CPRE Mark – Swallowfield Lower School, Woburn Sands
  • Highly Commended – Toddington St George Church of England School
  • Commended – Francesca Maza, Northill
  • Commended – Fulbrook Middle School, Woburn Sands

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