Dartmoor project wins 2018 national award

18 October 2018

A project that has seen the restoration of bog habitats in Dartmoor National Park has taken home the prestigious Park Protector Award. The project has been recognised for its important role in improving habitats for wildlife and increasing visitor access to this inhospitable landscape.

From wellies to Westminster! Andrew Taylor and Andrew Cooper of the Devon Wildlife Trust receiving the 2018 Park Protector Award from Caroline Quentin and Julian Glover.

Opening up Emsworthy Mire, which is run by the Devon Wildlife Trust, took home the £2,000 prize, which was presented at a parliamentary reception last night [17 October]. The annual Award is run by Campaign for National Parks to recognise, celebrate and support  projects that make a difference within the English and Welsh National Parks.

President of Campaign for National Parks, the actress Caroline Quentin, and Julian Glover, who is leading the Government’s review of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks, addressed guests at the reception.

Peter Burgess, Director of Conservation and Development at the Devon Wildlife Trust said: “Opening up Emsworthy Mire, is a fantastic example of what can happen when dedicated, passionate people come together to make a difference to our natural world. Through determination and hard work we have completely transformed the mire from an impenetrable and formidable landscape to somewhere both wildlife and visitors can enjoy.”

Caroline Quentin, president of Campaign for National Parks, said: “Opening up Emsworthy Mire is a wonderful project and I am delighted to see them receive the top prize of this year’s Park Protector Award.

The National Parks are important national assets and projects such as this one are brilliant examples of why we should all be getting out and enjoying these beautiful areas of countryside.”

Helping Hands and Opening up Emsworthy Mire with judge Debbie North

A second project, Helping Hands in Snowdonia National Park, which is run by the Snowdonia Society, took home a highly commended prize and £500 grant. This project uses an army of volunteers to look after some of the most famous landscapes in Wales. The Breedon Group also generously supported the highly commended Award.

Stephen Ross of the Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust, the sponsors of the Awards, said: “We have been delighted to see so many share in our passion for the incredible beauty and importance of the National Parks. Opening up Emsworthy More and Helping Hands are both fantastic examples of projects that are making a difference across England and Wales.”

For media enquiries, Andrew Hall on Tel: 07722503812, or email andrew@cnp.org.uk

Helping hands is making a difference in Snowdonia. Photo credit: Snowdonia Society

Supported by