Nominations open for North Pennines conservation award

27 November 2023

People who have made a difference to the conservation of the North Pennines National Landscape can be nominated for a prestigious award this autumn.

The North Pennines National Landscape team has opened nominations for its annual Pendlebury Award, which recognises those who look after the globally important North Pennines landscape. The award is open to groups and individuals involved in conservation in the area, or in helping people to understand and enjoy nature and heritage. This year will be the eighth time the award has been given, inspired by the late Bob Pendlebury, the first chair of the then North Pennines AONB Partnership.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines National Landscape, said: “There are many people who are devoted to looking after the North Pennines landscape, wildlife and heritage, either through their work or in their spare time. “The Pendlebury Award is a way for the National Landscape team to recognise some of those outstanding contributions.”.

In 2022 the Pendlebury Award was won by the members of Altogether Archaeology, a group that developed from a North Pennines AONB Partnership project, that aims to promote awareness of the archaeological heritage of the North Pennines and the surrounding area; by the involvement of its members of all ages; in archaeological fieldwork and research. They provide opportunities for members to extend their knowledge of archaeological methods and practice by research, fieldwork and training.

Previous winners of the award include: botanist Dr Margaret Bradshaw OBE; Allen Valleys farmer Robert Philipson; and Ian Forbes MBE, who ran Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum.

The North Pennines National Landscape team would like to hear from anyone who wants to make a nomination, by the closing date of Friday 8 December 2023. The winner of the award will be announced at the North Pennines National Landscape Annual Forum online event on Wednesday 13 December.

To find out more, or for a nomination form, contact Simon Wilson simon@northpennines.org.uk, 01388 528801, or visit www.northpennines.org.uk. Book for the North Pennines National Landscape Annual Forum here.

Media enquiries

For further information, contact the communications team at the North Pennines National Landscape, email: communications@northpennines.org.uk or call 01388 528801.

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. AONDs were renamed National Landscapes in 2023. At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines National Landscape is the second largest of the 46 National Landscapes (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 National Landscape family.

The North Pennines National Landscape team is an alliance of 24 public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the National Landscape. The work of the team 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.

UNESCO Global Geopark.  As well as being a National Landscape, 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.