We were delighted with the response we had to our request for nominations for the Open Space Award. There really are a lot of good things going on out there. The judges were impressed with the effort and commitment that so many people have to their local open spaces. They have shortlisted four projects and will be visiting them over the next few weeks.
The four shortlisted projects are:
The Bishop’s Meadow Trust
This is a group in Farnham who have set up a charity to buy a local meadow which is important to them so that it can be kept for future generations to enjoy. Find out more about it here.
Full Frontal
This is a project which aims to improve the environment for everyone to benefit. It operates in several communities in Kent. Find out more here.
Our Green Space Project
This was a major projectwhich involved five different sites across the Lake District. It involved training and supporting the five communities to develop their green spaces and make better use of them. Find out more here.
Royd Regeneration
This project in Calderdale involved the extension and re-generation of a neglected memorial park. For more information click here.
Tim Crowther, chair of the trustees of the Open Spaces Society, and a member of the judging panel said:
“The judges were looking for:
- support for the society’s objectives;
- “bottom up” rather than “top down” activity;
- the security of the benefit provided;
- the extent to which the aims of the activity had been achieved; and
- activity which was over and above statutory requirements.
All of the nominations we had showed evidence of these things to a greater or lesser degree. The projects we have shortlisted are all very different. We judges are really looking forward to visiting the sites and meeting the inspirational people who have driven the projects forward. To be honest, the projects we didn’t shortlist were also inspirational. There’s a lot of good work going on around the country and we’ll be highlighting these projects and sharing their great stories on our website.
The awards will be made at the society’s AGM in July.