Nominations open for North Pennines conservation award

People who have made a difference to the conservation of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) can be nominated for a prestigious award this Autumn.

The North Pennines AONB Partnership has opened nominations for its annual Pendlebury Award, which recognises those who go the extra mile to look after the globally important North Pennines landscape. The award is open to groups and individuals involved in conservation in the area. This year will be the seventh time the award has been given, inspired by the late Bob Pendlebury, the first chair of the North Pennines 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: “The last 18 months have highlighted how important nature and the landscape are to our wellbeing and mental health, and we’re pleased to be running the award again after a break last year.

“There are so many people who have given so much to the North Pennines’ landscape, wildlife and heritage, either in their working lives or in their spare time. The Pendlebury award is a way for the AONB Partnership to recognise some of those outstanding contributions.”

In 2019 the Pendlebury Award was won by wildlife champion, Carol Inskipp. Carol, who lives in Weardale, contributed over 7,500 wildlife records from the North Pennines AONB between 2013 and 2018. She has trapped, surveyed and recorded many species, including moths, bats, bees and upland waders and her studies of hoverflies have recorded several new to the North Pennines area.

Previous winners of the award include botanist Dr Margaret Bradshaw OBE, Allen Valleys farmer Robert Philipson, Durham Countryside Ranger David Liddle, Ian Forbes MBE, 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.

The Partnership would like to hear from anyone who wants to make a nomination, by the closing date of Tuesday 26 October. The winner of the award will be announced at the AONB Partnership’s Annual Forum in November.

To find out more, or for a nomination form, contact Simon Wilson simon@northpenninesaonb.org.uk, 07966 870117, or visit northpennines.org.uk

ENDS

Notes for editors

1. Contact Sarah Hudspeth at North Pennines AONB Partnership for further information – shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk, Phone: 07768 123247
2. An image of 2019 winner Carol Inskipp receiving her award from 2018 winner Robert Philipson is attached. For alternative images please contact Sarah on 07768 123247 or email shudspeth@northpenninesaonb.org.uk
3. The North Pennines is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.
4. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 AONBs (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the AONB Family.
5. The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the AONB are within the boundaries of five local authorities; the three counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland, Carlisle City Council and Eden District Council.
6. The North Pennines AONB Partnership is an alliance of 24 public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the AONB. The work of the Partnership is carried out by its Staff Unit which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.
7. UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being an AONB the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions and holding geology festivals and events. Funding has been secured for a new programme of activities for 2018 – 2021 that includes new downloadable trails, interactive facilities at Bowlees Visitor Centre and a range of community and school projects.