CPRE Hampshire 2024 Countryside Awards Winners Announced

On Tuesday, 10th December 2024, the CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards ceremony was held at Kings Somborne Village Hall Recreation Ground, celebrating the remarkable individuals and organisations that help the Hampshire countryside to thrive.

At the award ceremony, over 50 people gathered to honour countryside projects address pressing issues such as climate change, highlight nature’s restorative benefits on health and wellbeing, celebrate our protected landscapes, and promote community projects at the grassroots level.

Margaret Paren, Chair of CPRE Hampshire, welcomed all the guests and congratulated all the winners and finalists for their exceptional work and commitment to the enhancement and protection of the Hampshire countryside .

The Earl of Malmesbury, president of CPRE Hampshire, presented the four finalists with their award certificates at this year’s prestigious award ceremony.

2024 Countryside Award Winners

The Hampshire Grassroots Action Award sponsored by Vitacress
Winner: Alton in Bloom Community Grow Club

• A multigenerational community group that enriches the town, environment, and wildlife while teaching families to grow their own food and flowers. It’s more than gardening; it’s about growing together as a community.
• Speaking of the project, judges commented: “We were very impressed by the extraordinary range of projects which bring such a broad section of the local community together.”

The Hampshire Projects in Protected Landscapes Award sponsored by Terrafirma
Winner: Blacknest Fields Nature Recovery

• This project is transforming an 8-acre site near Blacknest into a flourishing wildlife haven. Exciting efforts include planting new hedges, cultivating a community orchard, and creating habitats for pollinators and other wildlife.
• Speaking of the project, judges commented: “Excellent project, which promotes wide community engagement, will transform habitat to the benefit of local flora and fauna and have a lasting impact on biodiversity.”

The Hampshire Climate Action Award sponsored by Hastoe Housing
Winner: Future Energy Landscape Workshops, Energise South Downs

• During the workshops led by Energise South Downs, communities explore how they might deploy renewable energy technologies to meet local energy needs. During the workshops, participants identify areas that are key community assets and map grid infrastructure that already exists in the area, whilst discussing potential areas for renewables, including rooftop solar.
• Climate Action Award Sponsor, Hastoe Housing told us: “The climate crisis needs solutions at a local level and central to this is helping people understand the types of renewable energy available and their impact. Equally important is finding and agreeing on suitable sites. The importance of these workshops cannot be overstated.”

The Hampshire Countryside Health & Wellbeing Award
Winner: Walk and Talk Therapies by Winchester Youth Counselling

• Walk and Talk Therapy uses the natural environment to help engage young people who may find it hard to access therapy in the traditional indoor, closed environment. Conducted in a local Nature Reserve instead of a counselling room, these sessions are found to decrease feelings of anxiety or stress as some people find it easier to talk when on the move outside.
• Speaking of the project, judges commented: “A wonderfully innovative way to provide mental health support to young people and their carers by taking them away from the normal indoor environment and out into nature.”

In addition, Litter Pickers of the New Forest were highly commended for their efforts to keep the countryside clean and promoting the message to ‘leave no footprint other than your own’.

Each of these remarkable projects contributes significantly to the Hampshire countryside, making it a better place for everyone to live, work, and enjoy.

The Hampshire Choice Award, voted for by the Hampshire public, was proudly presented to Blacknest Fields Nature Recovery Project, recognising their outstanding contribution to nature recovery in the South Downs National Park.

The CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards continue to highlight and honour the dedication and achievements of individuals and groups working tirelessly to protect and enhance our cherished countryside.