National Park Protector Awards are back – recognising and rewarding the people who protect National Parks in England and Wales

Campaign for National Parks (CNP) has launched its search for individuals and groups who are working for a future where nature and people can thrive in our National Parks.

The annual awards recognise and reward the work underway to protect and improve National Parks in England and Wales for people, nature and climate.

CNP chief executive Dr Rose O’Neill said: “Our amazing National Parks inspire thousands of people across England and Wales to get out, give back and take action. Our National Park Protector Awards are our way of celebrating and recognising the people who work hard to make our National Parks wilder, inclusive for all to enjoy and safeguard their natural beauty for future generations.”

The awards are:

• National Park Protector Nature Award – winner's prize: £1,000, £100 Cotswold Outdoor voucher and 1 year membership to Campaign for National Parks (sponsored by WWF-UK)
• New Perspectives Award – winner's prize: £1,000, £100 Cotswold Outdoor voucher and 1 year membership to Campaign for National Parks (sponsored by Natural England)
• Changemaker of the year Award – winner's prize: £500, £100 Cotswold Outdoor voucher and 1 year membership to Campaign for National Parks (sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor)

Last year’s winners were Chris Maloney – who is also known as ‘Keeper of the Peak’, who connects people with the Peak District National Park; Fix the Fells – a team of staff and volunteers in the Lake District  caring for one of the most-visited National Park’s well-used paths; AKA Health, Wealth & Oneness - an initiative helping to drive community cohesion, physical and mental wellbeing and open up access to the outdoors to the people of Nottingham.

Lucy Lee, UK chief advisor – conservation programmes, World Wide Fund for Nature WWF-UK, said: " The UK is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful wildlife on the planet, however we have pushed UK nature to the brink. WWF-UK is proud to support the National Park Protector Nature Award, recognising projects that have put nature at their heart and are leading the way in ensuring that our National Parks are flourishing. National Parks are home to some of our most important landscapes and wildlife and it’s fantastic to see that these projects are supporting the recovery of nature in the UK and keeping it safe for future generations."

Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, said: “Natural England are delighted to be sponsoring the New Perspectives Award part of the National Park Protector Awards for a second year. National Parks are incredible spaces for people and nature, and everyone should be able to benefit from connecting with nature in them. I am proud to be sponsoring an award which celebrates those who are helping to tackle the barriers many people face to enjoying National Parks."

Nominations open Wednesday 10 May and close on Sunday 4 June.

A public vote for the Changemaker of the Year will follow from 12-17 June, with shortlisting by an expert judging panel.

The winners will be revealed in an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on 12 July.

To find out more, or make a nomination, please visit: www.cnp.org.uk/national-park-protector-awards