PEOPLE, organisations and businesses across Hampshire are being encouraged to enter this year's Countryside Awards. 

CPRE Hampshire has launched the 2023 Countryside Awards, supported by Hampshire County Council (HCC), at the charity's recent Annual General Meeting.

The awards aim to recognise those who help cherish, support and sustain rural environments across the county. 

With the last awards taking place in 2019, the charity is delighted to once again relaunch the awards. 

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Margaret Paren, CPRE Hampshire chair, said: “We are very pleased to have the Countryside Awards back to put a spotlight on individuals, groups and businesses that are working hard to deliver something back to the countryside.

"We are lucky in Hampshire to have many beautiful green spaces but it’s vital we continue to work to protect and enhance them. Both in terms of their visual impact and the valuable resources they provide.

"We can’t wait to see what the 2023 entrants will come up with but I’m sure it will make judging a tough process.” 

The Awards are made up of four categories. The Landscape Award, sponsored by Hastoe Housing, is for any initiative that utilises or protects countryside features whilst enhancing green spaces. For example, managing public areas for biodiversity. 

The Sustainable Communities Award, sponsored by Newbury Building Society, is for any development, scheme or project that actively works to implement a sustainable approach. 

The Grassroots Award is for anyone acting on a countryside issue that is relevant to their immediate or local area. For example, this could include conservation projects, work on recycling or anti-litter initiatives.  

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The Environmental Education Award is for projects, schemes or initiatives that connect people to the countryside through teaching and learning. This could include projects such as work with schools or young people, educational initiatives, career incentive schemes or new research. 

As well as the four award categories, the winners and runners-up will automatically be entered into The Hampshire Choice Award. This voting process will be put to the public for them to decide. 

For further information on the awards and how to enter, go to cprehampshire.org.uk.