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Book your FREE place at Norfolk’s Sustainability Forum to hear CPRE Norfolk President Tim O’Riordan and other local environmentalists discuss their Bold Vision of Hope for a Sustainable Future. Find out more at https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/news/join-sustainability-forum/

Norwich Environmental Action Team (TCV) programme has some fun practical conservation activities to get involved with to protect and enhance some of Norwich’s many fine green spaces. To find out more: https://www.tcv.org.uk/eastern/tcv-norfolk/norwich-environmental-action-team/

UK Government and businesses must take decisive steps to boost sustainable consumption critical to protect global nature. Find out more at https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/62/environmental-audit-committee/news/157836/uk-government-and-businesses-must-take-decisive-steps-to-boost-sustainable-consumption-critical-to-protect-global-nature/

‘These salt marshes saved my life’: how nature is helping mental health https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/oct/09/these-salt-marshes-saved-my-life-how-nature-is-helping-mental-health

Special report: Can Norfolk cope with tens of thousands of extra homes? https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/housing/concern-over-thousands-of-new-norfolk-homes-8395940

Councillor community free tree packs! : As part of a new county councillor-supported pilot scheme, you can apply for free tree packs for your parish council or community group. To know more about the scheme and how to apply check out https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/what-we-do-and-how-we-work/campaigns/1-million-trees-for-norfolk/get-involved/free-tree-packs/councillor-community-scheme

Green Belt for Norwich! Have you signed the petition yet? 2,401 have signed. Let’s get to 2,500 and help protect our green spaces, remaining wildlife and open countryside from excessive, inappropriate and unnecessary development. https://www.change.org/p/broadland-district-council-and-south-norfolk-council-green-belt-for-norfolk

Call on the government to champion hedgerows and to commit to planting thousands of miles of hedges all across the country . Almost 36,000 people have taken action so far. Sign the petition and help us reach 45,000. https://takeaction.cpre.org.uk/page/85848/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=local-groups

Ministers reported to be rethinking damaging planning proposals. With your support, we've been calling on Boris Johnson to drop these plans. This is a victory for people all across the country who want a proper say on the needs of their communities. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/sep/11/ministers-to-ditch-overhaul-of-planning-laws-after-criticism

Planting more hedgerows could create 25,000 jobs, says report https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/business/cpre-urges-government-to-increase-hedgerow-network-8300296

GOOD LIGHTING AWARD:
Award recognises schemes keeping light pollution impacts to a minimum in the rural environment. This category was not competitive and all entrants were recognised. Certificates were awarded to:
Swaffham Town Council
Greater Anglia
Millgates Surgery, Hempnall

DIGGING DEEP AWARD: Award for initiatives that enhance Norfolk’s countryside and make local communities enjoyable to live in.
JOINT WINNERS
Kett’s Heights
Thetford Conservation Group
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Woodton Community Wood
Stations as Havens
Marty’s Marsh
https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/awards-2021/

CHAIR’S AWARD

WINNER
Wild Ken Hill: Awarded to recognised ambitious work on the estate to return the land to nature and farm sustainably whilst inspiring people to protect and enhance the Norfolk countryside.

Check out https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/awards-2021/

RURAL LIVING AWARD: An award for projects that improved the sustainability of rural life, making it more environmentally-friendly and economically and socially viable.
WINNER
Wild with Nature
HIGHLY COMMENDED
East Harling Community Garden

Check out https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/awards-2021/

COUNTRYSIDE CHAMPIONS YOUTH AWARD: A special Countryside Champions
category recognising young people.
WINNER
Save the Bees – Coltishall Primary School

Check out https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/awards-2021/

COUNTRYSIDE CHAMPIONS AWARD: Award for projects that protect the Norfolk countryside through the vision of local community groups and individuals.
JOINT WINNERS
West Beckham Old Allotments
Chet Valley B-Line
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Boughton Fen
Hellington and Rockland Community Reserve

Winner and highly commended awards were made in all four categories - Countryside Champions, Rural Living, Digging Deep and Good Lighting Design. Further awards were made to the winners of the Chair’s Award and the Youth Award.
https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/awards-2021/

With a total of 27 entries this year, it is clear that a great deal is going on at a local level to improve rural life in Norfolk and we are pleased to showcase it through our Awards.
Find out more at https://www.cprenorfolk.org.uk/awards-2021/