Nominations open for national parks award celebrating pandemic response of Peak District projects

The annual Park Protector award is organised by the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) and this year’s theme is innovation and agility in the face of a global pandemic.

That could include biodiversity improvement, restoring historic buildings or natural landscapes, campaigning, rural skills development, volunteering and youth engagement.

Peak District park chief executive Sarah Fowler said: “We are dedicated to caring for the UK’s original national park and hugely value the support we receive from local projects and never more so in what has been a very challenging year for everyone.

“We know that local residents, communities, businesses and our staff and volunteers have regularly gone above and beyond to adapt, innovate and deliver important work in 2020, from litter picking to habitat creation, nature conservation to climate change solutions, engaging with visitors and meeting the needs asked by the demands of Covid-19.”

“I would urge people involved in projects to maintain the special qualities that we hold close in the Peak District to highlight their hard work through this award.”

Organisations working in national parks across England and Wales are eligible and can self-nominate or put one another forward.

Judges will be looking for projects which are making the biggest impact.

The Moors for the Future Partnership’s took the top prize in 2017 for its community science project monitoring wildlife, the effects of climate change and other issues in the Peak District.

This year’s winner will receive £1,000 and coverage in the BBC's Countryfile magazine . Two runners-up will get £500 each.

For the first time, there will also be a volunteer of the year award, which will be decided by an online public vote in March.

The winner will receive a three-night stay in a holiday cottage in the Lake District when restrictions ease, courtesy of Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.

The deadline for nominations is Sunday, February 28. For full details, see cnp.org.uk/park-protector-award.

“In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together.” – Nancy Fielder, editor.