Nominate your National Park volunteer heroes

The National Park Protector awards 2024 are now open for nominations offering the opportunity for individuals and groups to win recognition and cash prizes for their efforts in helping nature and people thrive.

Each year the awards organised by Campaign for National Parks (CNP) recognise and reward the work underway to protect and improve National Parks in England and Wales for people, nature and climate.

This year, the awards are even bigger as 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

Peak District National Park chief executive Phil Mulligan said: “The National Park Protector awards offer a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the great work that people do as volunteers to care for nature and ensure National Parks are for everyone.

“I urge people to submit a nomination for an individual or group to win recognition for people’s achievements that are taking place across the Peak District. From making a difference in their local community to creating new places for wildlife to thrive – this is a great chance to thank people for their efforts.”

CNP’s 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 CNP's 2024 awards in partnership with Country Living Magazine are:

• National Park Nature Award - winner's prize: £1,000, a goodie bag and 1 year membership to Campaign for National Parks
• New Perspectives Award - winner's prize: £1,000, a goodie bag and 1 year membership to Campaign for National Parks (sponsored byNatural England)
• Young Changemaker of the Year Award -  Winner's prize: £500, a goodie bag and 1 year membership to Campaign for National Parks (sponsored by Sawday's)

Previously (in 2017), a Peak District community science project run by the Moors for the Future Partnership won the top prize which recognised the efforts of volunteers in monitoring wildlife and the impacts of climate change in the National Park.

Nominations open today Thursday 4 April 2024 and close on Sunday 5 May 2024.

A public vote for the Changemaker of the Year will follow in June with shortlisting by an expert judging panel.

The winners will be revealed in an awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament on 3 July 2024.

To make a nomination, please visit the Campaigns for National Parks website.