Celebrating the first CPRE Norfolk Youth Engagement & Schools Award Winners

We are delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural CPRE Norfolk Youth Engagement & Schools Awards, recognising projects that have inspired young people to explore, care for and improve Norfolk’s natural environment.

Although this was the Awards’ first year, the quality of the entries demonstrated exactly why programmes like this matter. Students have planted trees, improved habitats, explored woodlands, developed practical conservation skills and discovered the many benefits that spending time in nature can bring.

Whilst every project was unique, they all shared one important goal, encouraging young people to become active custodians of Norfolk’s countryside.

Showcase Award

This year’s Showcase Award has been presented to Easton College for its outstanding Miyawaki Mini Forest project.

Students transformed a 254m² site into a diverse native woodland that will provide valuable habitat for wildlife whilst creating an outdoor learning environment for future generations.

Throughout the project students were involved in planning, planting, fencing, maintenance and ecological monitoring, demonstrating an impressive commitment to practical conservation.

Engagement Award

The Engagement Award has been presented to City Academy Norwich.

Through its Forest School and outdoor learning programme, students have been encouraged to discover nature through practical exploration, environmental education and regular experiences outdoors.

The judges were particularly impressed by the way the programme supported SEND and disadvantaged pupils whilst building confidence, curiosity and a stronger connection with the natural world.

Letter of Recognition

CPRE Norfolk would also like to recognise White Woman Lane Junior School.

Although the school’s project was not completed before the judging deadline, they secured funding for new raised beds and remained fully committed to developing biodiversity within their grounds.

We look forward to seeing their project flourish and hope to welcome them back into the Awards next year.

Looking Ahead

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s Awards has been seeing schools’ approach environmental projects in such different ways.

Some focused on creating habitats.

Others focused on helping students experience nature.

Both approaches are equally valuable.

We hope these Awards will continue to grow, inspiring even more schools across Norfolk to help shape a greener future.

Thank You

These Awards would not have been possible without the generous support of Mannington Estate, who have kindly donated a bespoke educational nature experience for both winning schools.

We would also like to thank every teacher, student, volunteer and trustee who helped make the inaugural Awards such a success.

This is just the beginning. We look forward to welcoming even more schools into the 2026–27 Awards.