Living Countryside Awards 2026

Inspiring Group

Winner: Nether Heage Woodland Project

The Nether Heage Woodland Project has transformed a neglected and overgrown area of the village park into a thriving community woodland. Working with Amber Valley Borough Council, local businesses and volunteers, the group has created an accessible woodland walk, community orchard and children’s play features, turning a previously unusable space into somewhere for walking, playing, socialising and quiet reflection.

Biodiversity is at the heart of the project, with pollinator-friendly planting, bird and bat boxes, spring bulbs and new trees helping wildlife flourish. Community events, including a Halloween Woodland Walk attended by more than 100 people, have brought local people together and created a much-loved green space for the whole village.

To learn more about Nether Heage Woodland Project please visit their Facebook page: Nether Heage – Nether Woods Walk project | Facebook

Runner-up: Stop Morton Solar Farm

Stop Morton Solar Farm was formed by residents of the small village of Morton in North East Derbyshire to campaign against plans for a large solar development on 160 acres of agricultural land. The group brought the community together, raising awareness, speaking with residents, gathering objections and working with local councillors and other campaign groups to protect their valued countryside.

After planning permission was refused in 2025, the group continued its campaign when the developer appealed, submitting further evidence to the Planning Inspectorate. In May 2026, their efforts were rewarded when the appeal was dismissed! A fantastic achievement following several years of determined community campaigning.

Visit their Facebook page to learn more about their work: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245702871267753/?ref=share&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Y8kqG9jFFkem6k9X&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fg%2F1CugdueUAp%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# 

Trail Blazer

Winner: Lorraine Wass 

Lorraine Wass has transformed a neglected concrete courtyard at the bottom of her council-run tower block into a welcoming green space for residents and the wider community. Once an area that residents avoided, Lorraine has filled the courtyard with plants, greenery and decorative features, creating an oasis where people can now relax and enjoy their surroundings.

Lorraine has not only transformed an unloved urban space but helped bring her community together. Her achievement, accomplished despite facing personal challenges of her own, is a wonderful example of how one person can make a lasting difference to the place where they live.

Runner-up: Julie Atkin

As a key member of the Wolds Action Group, Julie has shown remarkable determination in campaigning to protect a valued greenfield site in Matlock from development. Having previously helped secure the rejection of plans for the site, Julie continued the fight when the developer appealed, gathering evidence and making the case for its ecological importance and the potential flood risks. Despite the council choosing not to defend its decision Julie continued to campaign, and the developer’s appeal was ultimately unsuccessful.

Julie then continued campaigning for the site to be removed from the Local Plan altogether. In May 2026, the site failed the selection process for the updated plan, marking another significant success in Julie’s determined campaign to protect the countryside.

To learn more about the Matlock Wolds Group here: Save Our Greenfields | Facebook

Centenary Award: Green Space Stewardship (Town/Parish Councils and Councillors)

Winner: Belper Town Council

Belper Town Council is leading the way in making its public green spaces more wildlife-friendly, moving away from traditional seasonal bedding towards peat-free, perennial and pollinator-friendly planting. Through its Beautiful, Wildlife-friendly and Peat Free Belper and Milford Plan, the Council is creating attractive public spaces that provide greater benefits for biodiversity while reducing the need for watering and pesticides.

This commitment extends across the Council’s work, from adopting a Biodiversity Policy and supporting nature-friendly planning decisions to encouraging local businesses and residents to get involved. Its approach demonstrates how councils can rethink the management of everyday green spaces to benefit both people and nature.

Learn more here: Belper Town Council

Runner-up: Heather Liggett

Heather has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to protecting the countryside, wildlife and rural character of the Amber Valley. Through her work in local planning and community campaigns, she has challenged inappropriate development, campaigned against proposed industrial-scale pylons and helped ensure local people have a strong voice in decisions affecting their landscape.

Her commitment extends to practical conservation. After extensive tree-line habitat was removed during nesting season, Heather worked with residents and The Tree Council to secure an apology and funding for replacement planting. She has also supported hedgerow restoration, including offering her own land for planting, demonstrating a hands-on commitment to protecting and enhancing the local environment.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Captured

Winner: Freddie Lamb snapped a charming photograph of Bramble the Ram captures the character of farm life in the Derbyshire countryside.

Runner-up: Jilly Gaff A beautiful photograph captures a peaceful sunrise over the Grantham Canal, showcasing the tranquillity of Nottinghamshire’s waterways and countryside.