Joint winners of North Pennines conservation award

For the first time in its history a prestigious conservation award has been jointly won by two people who have been recognised for their contributions to the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.

The 2025 Pendlebury Award will be shared by former chair of the North Pennines National Landscape partnership, Jan Simmonds, and local geologist and academic, Brian Young.

Jan, from Allendale in Northumberland, was Chair of the North Pennines AONB Partnership then later the National Landscape partnership for seven years until her retirement from the role in 2024. She represented one of three local community seats on the partnership of local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, and statutory agencies which support the work of the North Pennines National Landscape team. Jan receives the award for the time, commitment and enthusiasm she gave to this role.

Jan Simmonds said: “Living in the North Pennines it is easy to forget how special it is – to take the cries of lapwing and curlew for granted. To see a red squirrel scampering by the road or an adder coiled on a moorland track. And then there are the rolling hills, the unique geology, the bright hay meadows, the rich mining heritage, the dark skies.

“By being involved with the National Landscape I hope I have done a bit to help conserve this special place with all its amazing features and to help both locals and visitors enjoy and understand it better. It has also been special to work alongside the National Landscape team of committed, hardworking, enthusiastic and expert staff from whom I have learned such a lot. To receive this award is unexpected but valued and much appreciated.”

Brian Young is a geologist and noted mineralogist (the mineral brianyoungite is named after him). He continues to play an active role on the North Pennines Geology Advisory Group, supported the attainment of UNESCO Global Geopark status, and over many years has worked with the National Landscape team to share the area’s world-class geology with local people and visitors.

On receiving the award, Brian said: “I feel honoured to be the joint recipient of this year’s Pendlebury Award. My affection for the North Pennines began in my school days when I became fascinated by the local rocks and landscapes, inspiring a career with the British Geological Survey. Transferring back to my native North East England to research the area’s rocks and minerals, I worked with the newly created AONB to share these geological treasures with others. There is still much to investigate in the North Pennines National Landscape, and via an Honorary association with Durham University, it remains a continued interest. My sincere and heartfelt thanks for this recognition.”

The award was established by the North Pennines National Landscape team to celebrate people who go above and beyond to help look after the landscape. Named after the organisation’s inaugural chairman and former councillor Bob Pendlebury, this award is presented at the Partnership’s annual forum, which was held this year in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines National Landscape team, said: “It’s always a pleasure to recognise those who have played an important part in helping to conserve and enhance natural beauty in the North Pennines through the Pendlebury Award. This year’s winners demonstrate that there are many ways that people contribute. Jan gave so much time and commitment in her role as Chair, bringing her business experience and her thoughtful consideration of how best to work for nature and communities here in the North Pennines. Brian has brought expertise in geology that has informed much of our work for many years. This has helped us to interpret the landscape for new audiences to enjoy as well as to celebrate the outstanding geology that lies behind the Geopark designation.”

Notes for editors

1. Contact Sarah Hudspeth, Communications Lead from the North Pennines National Landscape team for further information – communications@northpennines.org.uk Phone: 01388 528801 / 07768 123247

2. An image of Pendlebury Award winners, Jan Simmonds and Brian Young, with North Pennines National Landscape team Director Chris Woodley-Stewart, is attached. For alternative images please contact Sarah on 01388 528801 or email communications@northpennines.org.uk

3. The North Pennines National Landscape 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 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 Landscapes 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 National Landscape are within the boundaries of four local authorities; Cumberland Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, and Westmorland & Furness Council.

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