COUNTRYSIDE champions are being encouraged to enter an awards competition.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England hosts the Sussex Countryside Awards to recognise sustainable and low carbon schemes, as well as empowering communities and helping to connect people with the great outdoors.

Entries are now open for this years awards in categories for projects completed between December 2016 and January 2020

“Empowering Communities” is to recognise people who make an outstanding contribution towards conservation, biodiversity or climate change.

The winner of this will be voted for by a public online vote and will be presented with The Peter Brandon Award.

Connection

“Connecting People and the Countryside” recognises community groups, local enterprises and schools whose projects and initiatives contribute to enhancing and protecting the countryside and encourage engagement with the natural world.

“Promoting Nature and the Countryside” recognises community groups and enterprises with inspiring projects and initiatives that contribute towards a sustainable rural community and thriving countryside.

Sussex CPRE director Kia Trainor said: “So many people make a positive contribution to the Sussex countryside and rural communities.

“Climate change and declining wildlife are real challenges and it is important to highlight the achievements of local individuals and groups, so please enter now so that we can celebrate your good work.”

The deadline for submitting entries is April 30. It is free to enter and a panel of judges will visit shortlisted projects during June.

Celebration

Winners will be invited to the Awards Ceremony to be held during the evening of 14 October 2020 at Hendall Manor Barns in Heron’s Ghyll near Uckfield in East Sussex – a CPRE Countryside Awards winner in 2017.

CPRE The countryside charity, Sussex is a registered charity 1156568 and has a small office in Blackboys with part time opening hours. It was formerly known as the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

The Countryside Awards are presented every three years. For further details of the three categories, the entry process and examples of previous winners, please log on to: www.cpresussex.org.uk/awards