A HOST of countryside campaigns, projects and initiatives aimed at protecting Somerset’s environment were honoured at a special awards event.
To mark its centenary, the Campaign to Protect Rural England Somerset (CPRE) hosted the Love Your Countryside Awards.
The winners were announced at a ceremony this week at the Coronation Hall, in Burrowbridge, to celebrate those looking after our county.
Five categories were recognised, with schemes improving the rural environment celebrated with an accolade from the organisation.
Among them were two projects from Somerset Council; Uncovering Ham Hill’s Past for its Future was recognising its work improving access to the countryside, protect heritage and connect more people with nature, while the council’s Rainbow Way housing development, in Minehead, was recognised as delivering energy-efficient homes.
All the winners at the CPRE Love Your Countryside Awards
Cllr Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see two very different but equally important projects recognised at these awards.
“Ham Hill shows how we can protect our heritage while opening it up for more people to enjoy, while Rainbow Way is delivering the quality, affordable homes our communities need. Both projects demonstrate our commitment to creating places people are proud to live in and visit.”
And Councillor Federica Smith‑Roberts, lead member for communities, said: “These awards are a real testament to the dedication of the teams involved and the positive impact their work is having across Somerset.
“At Ham Hill, we’ve made the countryside more accessible, inclusive and engaging for everyone, while in Minehead we’re providing modern, energy-efficient homes for local people. We’re proud to support projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.”
READ MORE: LOVE YOUR LEVELS: Campaign launched to make Somerset landscape a National Park
The full list of winners at the CPRE Love Your Countryside Awards:
Blue or Green Spaces Category Winners:
Fox’s Field Forest Garden
Elm & Hairstreak Project
Green Corridor Woodland Creation Scheme
Stowey Green Spaces Group
Tidy Up Taunton
Countryside Access Category Winners:
Bloom & Roam
Ham Hill Country Park
Cocklemoor Paths Improvement Programme
Shepton Mallet Community Woods
Countryside Changemaker Category Winners:
Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council
People For Packsaddle
Somerset Eel Recovery Project
Sustainable Wootton Courtenay
Wilder Enmore & Goathurst initiative
Mike Ginger & his family
Housing Solution Category Winners:
Rainbow Way, Minehead
Shiremoor Hill, Merriott
Wyvern Fields, Sparkford
Rooftop Solar Category Winners:
The Lucky Chance, Frome
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pavilion, West Coker
Wyvern Fields, Sparkford
READ MORE: Environment news from your Somerset Leveller
