Call for open space champions

We want to encourage nominations for projects which support our aims to protect, increase, enhance and champion common land, town and village greens, open spaces and public rights of way in England and Wales, and the public’s right to enjoy them.

Says Jean Macdonald, our vice-chairman: ‘The project might be the creation of a new open space or right of way, or one which has been rescued from destruction. Perhaps you have tidied up your local space and improved it for public enjoyment. We are looking for good stories. So don’t be shy, tell us of the dynamic things that are happening in your area.’

Anyone can nominate a project. The closing date is 28 February 2013. The entries will be considered by a national panel of judges. Shortlisted applicants will receive a site visit and the awards will be made at the society’s AGM in Birmingham in July. The prize will be agreed with the winners, and designed to suit their project.

Details of how to apply and a nomination form can be found here.

This will be the second year of this prestigious award which was launched in 2012.

The winner was Bishop’s Meadow Trust, Farnham in Surrey for saving a 30-acre meadow for the public.

Runner-up was Our Green Space in Cumbria, a project which enabled five communities across Cumbria to improve their green spaces and make better use of them.

A personal commendation was given to Jade Smith of Royd Regeneration for her work in redesigning and refurbishing Mytholmroyd’s formerly run-down memorial garden as a public open space.

You can read about last year’s winners here.