CPRE Centenary National Awards

This award recognises housing developments which benefit communities and are placed in locations which preserve the countryside and nature.

Examples of nominations we’d welcome in this category include; developers, housing associations, local councils and communities.

Nominations should include how they have achieved some, or all, of the following criteria:

• There has been local community involvement in identifying and approving the location of the housing development
• Homes are affordable for local people to buy or rent with a Local Occupancy Clause in place
• The construction of the homes is sustainable and makes use of new techniques
• The surrounding landscape design is nature-friendly and flood resistant and encourages low-carbon travel

This award recognises projects empowering people and communities to positively shape their energy futures and reduce carbon usage.

Examples of nominations we’d welcome in this category include; organisations, community energy groups, housing projects, and climate action groups.

Nominations should include how they have achieved some, or all, of the following criteria:

• The local community has been involved in identifying and approving the location of the rooftop solar development
• The design and construction of the development is sensitive to the local area and has a minimal visual impact
• The project maximises energy efficiency and has a long-term economic benefit to the local community
• Innovative solutions or technology has been used to overcome any challenges

This award will recognise a project which results in the enhancement of the countryside ‘next door’ to where people live and has strong community involvement.

Examples of nominations we’d welcome in this category include charities, campaign groups, community conservation groups, wildlife groups, parish and town councils.

Nominations should include how they have achieved some, or all, of the following criteria:

• The project focuses on nature recovery and increasing biodiversity
• The local community is integral in shaping plans for the project ‘next door’ and has social as well as environmental benefits for people
• Local groups are involved in managing, maintaining and monitoring, for example through citizen science initiatives or volunteering
• Sustainability is an integral part of the project, for example by using eco-friendly suppliers, reusing and recycling waste

This award recognises a project which practically improves the accessibility of an area of countryside ‘next door’ to where people live.

Examples of nominations we’d welcome in this category include; community groups, funded projects and county, town and parish councils.

Nominations should include how they have achieved some, or all, of the following criteria:

• Improves access to the countryside close to where people live, for example, by installing or repairing paths or tracks
• Engages local communities to foster a sense of connection and ownership over their countryside next door
• Overcomes barriers to access for diverse groups by involving them in design
• Delivers events and other opportunities to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of being in the countryside

This award recognises the outstanding contribution to the countryside by an individual aged 25 or over.

Examples of nominations we’d welcome in this category include; individuals organising practical events to improve the countryside and activists raising awareness of issues affecting the countryside and inspiring change.

Nominations should include how they have achieved some, or all, of the following criteria:

• Achieved a change for the countryside
• Brought people together and unite them to take action for the countryside
• Campaigned to influence the government, judiciary, local authorities or others to bring about change
• Raised the profile of special places through storytelling to inspire others

This award recognises the outstanding contribution to the countryside by an individual under the age of 25.

Examples of nominations we’d welcome in this category include; individuals organising practical events to improve the countryside and activists raising awareness of issues affecting the countryside and inspiring change.

Nominations should include how they have achieved some, or all, of the following criteria:

• Achieved a change for the countryside
• Brings people together and unites them to take action for the countryside
• Campaigns to influence the government, judiciary, local authorities or others to bring about change
• Raises the profile of special places through storytelling to inspire others

The awards are part of a programme of events celebrating CPREs Centenary year in 2026. We want to highlight the inspiring projects creating innovative solutions and individuals bringing people together to give a brighter future for the countryside across England.

The awards symbolise hope and collaboration, showcasing what can be accomplished when people unite to care for our precious countryside. We strive to create an enduring legacy of inspiration for the next 100 years and beyond.

The deadline for nominations is noon on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

We welcome nominations from everyone. 

When writing your nomination please describe how your nominee meets the criteria for the award as closely as possible. 

You can make nominations on behalf of a person, project, group or organisation or you can make a nomination for yourself, or a project, group or organisation you’re involved with 

You can make as many nominations as you want – it’s great that you can see so many people doing great things for the countryside! 

Please be aware that duplicate nominations in the same category won’t increase the chances of a nominee being shortlisted. 

To help you prepare to make your nomination, here is the information you’ll be asked to provide: name, location, contact details, any web links, how they meet the criteria for the award, their outstanding contribution to the countryside and the impact of their work. There’s also an optional question about how they’ve made the countryside more inclusive or accessible.

No, nominations are totally free. 

We’ve brought together a panel of judges for each award including subject experts from charities and organisations across the countryside sector and beyond. Inclusivity is important to us and our panel reflects this. We’ll be sharing more about the judges on our social media channels and website. 

Nominations will be scored against the criteria for each award, and the judging panel will come together to decide the winners and highly commended nominations. 

The presentation takes place in the House of Commons in London on the afternoon of Thursday 29 October. Winners and highly commended nominees will be invited to attend. There is no cost to attending.  

You can email networksupport@cpre.org.uk with questions, or if you’d like help making your nomination.