“What’s becoming more crucial is encouraging our young people to notice and enjoy the natural world, especially these days when there is so much to draw them indoors. This is why we added a new category – our youth award, to recognise young people and schools who are enhancing our local environment, introducing children to our wildlife and biodiversity. I think that those shortlisted in this new category show a real hope for the future.”
Mrs Helen Nellis, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, presented awards in four categories:
Sustainable Enterprise
In this category the charity 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 benefits 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 recognition was given to the buildings and developments that positively contribute to the evolving character of Bedfordshire’s town and country. The judges 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 next 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
The next CPRE Living Countryside Awards will take place in 2018 and will be another chance to recognise those who make a real difference to the environment of the county.
