Park Protector and Year of Green Action awards seek out projects making a difference

Campaign for National Parks has joined forces with the Government’s Year of Green Action to seek out the very best projects making a difference in the National Parks.

Winning projects will receive either a £1500 or £2000 boost in recognition of their work safeguarding the most beloved landscapes in the country in the first ever joint Park Protector and Year of Green Action Awards.

Snowdonia Society’s Helping Hands project took second place in 2018

Minister for National Parks, Lord Gardiner of Kimble said: “National Parks are incredibly important and it is essential that we celebrate the people who work hard to protect these special landscapes for all of us, and future generations, to enjoy.

“These awards are open to anyone making a difference to the future of these fantastic natural spaces.”

Nominations are open until Friday 31 May. Nominated projects must be seeking to connect people with the environment, conserve or enhance the biodiversity or a heritage site, improve access to the Parks, or protect an area in a National Park.

A project restoring a bog habitat for rare wetland species, won last year’s Award. They were presented their award by actress Caroline Quentin and journalist Julian Glover at a Parliamentary reception. This year Campaign for National Parks will also be celebrating 70 years since the 1949 Act of Parliament established the National Parks – something the organisation has led the fight for.

Andrew Hall of Campaign for National Parks said: “In past year’s we’ve had projects applying that cover everything from teaching kids salmon fishing in the North York Moors, mass volunteering in Snowdonia and using traditional skills to conserve the New Forest. This is a fantastic opportunity and we are delighted to work with Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust and DEFRA to make this happen this year.”

There are 13 National Parks in England and Wales covering famous landscapes such as the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Dartmoor.

“If you are dedicated to connecting people and nature and caring for our cherished National Parks, then I urge you to apply. You have nothing to lose but the National Parks that you love have everything to gain.” Commented Lord Gardiner.

click here to apply to the Park Protector and Year of Green Action Awards

The annual Award is generously supported by Ramblers Holidays Charitable Trust. Additionally, supported by Breedon Group.