THE search is on for this year’s conservation champion of the North Pennines.
Nominations are being sought for the annual Pendlebury Award, which is organised by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.
The award recognises those who go the extra mile to look after the globally important landscape.
It is open to groups and individuals involved in conservation in the area.
This year will be the sixth time the award has been given, inspired by the late Bob Pendlebury, the first chairman of the AONB partnership.
He was also a local councillor and a great campaigner for the area, promoting its beauty at every opportunity.
Chris Woodley-Stewart, director of the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “Since the award’s inception in 2013, there have been some excellent recipients who have shown tremendous commitment to the North Pennines.
“The award is a way for the AONB partnership to recognise those people who do so much for the area’s landscape, wildlife and heritage, either in their working lives or in their spare time.”
Previous winners of the award include botanist Dr Margaret Bradshaw, from Eggleston, Durham countryside ranger David Liddle, Ian Forbes, who ran Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum, and Chris and Heather McCarty who worked side-by-side at Natural England’s Moor House Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve.
Last year Sinderhope farmer Robert Philipson won the award. His methods of farming in harmony with the natural environment have led to great numbers of upland wading birds breeding successfully on his farmland.
The partnership would like to hear from anyone who wants to make a nomination.
The winner of the award will be announced at the AONB partnership’s annual forum, which is being held on May 22 in upper Teesdale.
To find out more, or for a nomination form, contact Simon Wilson on 01388 528801 or visit www.north pennines.org.uk.
