The search is on for the UK’s best landscape
18 May 2010
• UK Landscape Award to highlight how landscape projects are transforming communities
• Winner to represent UK in ‘Landscape Award of the Council of Europe’
Landscape projects led by communities and organisations across the country are in the frame for nomination for the UK’s best landscape, as the UK Landscape Award – supported by Natural England – opens its doors for entry.
The UK Landscape Awards are designed to showcase the extraordinary ways in which communities are involved with landscapes and to profile the inspiring landscape projects that are transforming how communities work. All types of landscape are eligible for the Awards - whether in urban areas, open countryside, coast or farmland. They might involve newly-created spaces, or involve a project where community involvement has brought new life to an existing place. The competition is open to community groups, local authorities, charities and non-governmental organisations, all of whom are invited to put forward their landscape projects for nomination. Nominations are due in by the 27th August.
Helen Phillips, Natural England Chief Executive says, “All landscapes matter. Whether a new town square, a restored coastal path or a regeneration scheme centred on public space, landscapes have an enormous impact on how a community works. The UK Landscape Awards are an opportunity to showcase work that will inspire others and demonstrate the value and importance of landscapes across the UK. We encourage communities up and down the country to celebrate and nominate the landscapes that matter to them.”
Neil Williamson, President of the Landscape Institute said: “This is a great opportunity to highlight the tremendous contribution that excellent urban and rural landscapes make to the creation of strong communities. I urge everyone involved in landscape projects to consider entering the Award.’
After regional heats to identify the best regional landscape projects, an overall UK winner will be announced at the European Landscape Convention Conference held in Liverpool during the 8-10th of November. The winner will go forward as the UK’s entry to the ‘Landscape Award of the Council of Europe’ which will be decided by the Council of Europe in March 2011.
The competition is open now, and entries close on 27 August. To enter the UK Landscape Awards 2010 visit www.uklandscapeaward.org
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Notes to Editors:
The UK Landscape Award is an important part of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) which is the first international treaty devoted exclusively to the management, protection and planning of all landscapes in Europe. Natural England is one of the organisations leading on the implementation of the ELC in England on behalf of the government. The European Landscape Convention is championed by DEFRA, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Scottish Government, the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland and their agencies.
The Award is being managed in the UK by the Landscape Institute.
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
For further information contact: The National Press Office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk out of hours 07970 098005.
For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
