Launch of our 2016 Park Protector Award
Once again, to celebrate and support the fantastic work being done in National Parks, we are launching our Park Protector Awards, supported by Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust.
We’re giving heritage lovers, environmental groups and conservationists the opportunity to win a £2000 bursary and recognition for their work if they are delivering projects, campaigns or activities in one or more of the National Parks in England and Wales. Entries should either conserve or contribute to the biodiversity of an area, restore the natural or built heritage or successfully protect a region.
To win the award, you need to: demonstrate impact, excellence in management and delivery, innovation such as using new technologies, engagement of volunteers and development and dissemination of best practice.
Last year’s winning project was Fell Futures, which addresses a nationally identified skills shortage in the Lake District. It has helped train 12 apprentices and 30 new volunteers in skills such as dry-stone walling, habitat conservation, forestry, lime mortaring and upland stone pitching.
Matthew Eaves, volunteer and apprentice coordinator from the Lake District National Park Authority said, “Winning the award was a real boost, for myself and for the National Park Authority. It acted as an external seal of approval for our hard work, something to show off about and an opportunity to tell everyone about the benefits of volunteers and apprentices. We have used the prize money to provide extra uniforms, waterproofs and tools for the volunteers.”
Fiona Howie, our chief executive said “Throughout our National Parks there is fantastic work taking place and by people who love the Parks. This is a great opportunity for organisations to promote and showcase the projects that make our National Parks so special.”
The nominations are open until Sunday 3 July 2016.