Land Trust Awards: winners announced

Greenwich Ecology Park and Southern Park were the big winners at the annual 2020 Land Trust awards as the site picked up the prestigious Site of the Year award for the second time.

The Land Trust manages the sites in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and they have become a green oasis in the midst of busy London life, which has become highly valued by the local community.

There were 11 categories in total with Joanne Smith also picking up Ranger of the Year for her work at Greenwich and Southern Park. Joanne shared this award with Bruce Bell, who was recognised for his efforts at Merlin Park and Shirebrook.

The Land Trust Awards recognise the dedication and achievements of the Managing Partners and volunteers who work with the Trust on its portfolio of parks and green spaces across the UK.

This year’s presentation was delivered later than planned due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the winners announced via video call and on social media.

Alan Carter, Director of Portfolio Management at the Land Trust, said:

“The Land Trust awards are a great opportunity for us to recognise the fantastic work and dedication of our Managing Partners and volunteers who play such a huge role in the success of our parks and green spaces. Without them we wouldn’t be able to achieve half of what we do across our portfolio.

“During the last few months they have gone above and beyond to keep our sites open and safe for our communities to use for their physical and mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been so important for thousands of people across the country.

“We thank them for all their endeavour and look forward to continuing to work with them in the months and years to come.”

For a full list of winners, please see below:

Community Space of the Year

• WINNER – Ashton’s Field

Nature Space of the Year

• WINNER – Carr Lodge
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – Langdon Lake and Meadows

Health Space of the Year

• WINNER – Port Sunlight River Park
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – the Avenue Country Park

Educational Space of the Year

• WINNER – Countess of Chester Country Park
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – St Luke’s Park

Site delivering most Economical Activity

• WINNER – Pleasley Pit
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – Twywell Hills and Dales

Most Improved Site

• WINNER – the Old Brickworks
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – Merlin Park and Haig

Best Friends of/Community group

• WINNER – Fort Burgoyne volunteers
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – South Yorkshire volunteers and the Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park

Volunteer of the Year

• WINNER – Brian Bennett
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – Aron Baker and Robin Johnston

Project of the Year (voted for by Managing Partners)

• WINNER – Knowle Haven  – Utilities project
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – Haig – Ravenhill track wall

Ranger of the Year

• WINNER – Bruce Bell and Joanne Smith
• HIGHLY COMMENDED – Tiff Rogerson

Site of the Year

• WINNER – Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park and Southern Park

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