CPRE Hampshire has announced the launch of its Countryside Awards for 2018, with new incentives for businesses, groups and individuals to enter and champion the work they do standing up for the countryside that makes Hampshire so unique.

The Countryside Awards are designed to celebrate Hampshire’s beautiful, diverse and thriving countryside and all those who sustain it so that that everyone can value and enjoy it. The spirit of this can be found in a diverse range of projects, buildings, businesses, services and social enterprises – from large to grass roots level. To date, more than 100 projects have been recognised since the inception of the awards 11 years ago.

The awards are divided into four categories.

New this year is Hampshire’s Choice, for which the public will be asked to vote, from all the finalists, who they think should win a cash sum of £500, giving potential applicants even more incentive to get their award submissions in.

Charlee Bennet, of CPRE Hampshire, said: “Our awards showcase the very best of those who support our mission of standing up for the countryside.

“Respecting this countryside has never been as important as it is right now and as we grow our awards we want to seek out those who really deserve to win – whether they’re big organisations or individuals doing monumental things on their own. Each year we’re amazed by the incredible work taking place across the county and I can’t wait to see our 2018 applicants.

“This year is made all the more exciting by the new financial prize we’re offering through our Hampshire’s Choice award. The awards are now open, so we welcome everyone to get their submissions in.”

Categories include:

* Community and Voluntary: Open to organisations, individuals and enterprises who have put the countryside at the forefront of a project;

* Young People: For projects involving young people up to the age of 18. This could include educational establishments (all levels), youth groups, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies and youth offender programmes;

* Rural Enterprise: Made to a business or council organisation which, through its work, either directly or indirectly enhances the rural environment and the rural economy. This category includes both for profit and not-for-profit enterprises;

* Making Spaces: Recognises, among others, architects, developers, parish councils, housing associations and renewable-energy companies that are positively contributing to the sustainability of the rural environment or communities. This can be either new or regenerated buildings or landscapes.

Judges look for well-designed or interesting schemes that exhibit elements that include conservation and enhancement of the site ecology and biodiversity.

The awards are now open for nominations until May 31.

For more details, call CPRE Hampshire on 01962 841897, e-mail [email protected], or visit cprehampshire.org.uk.