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CPRE Bedfordshire's Living Countryside Awards (LCA) scheme is now in its fifth year and recognised by our National CPRE headquarters.

On this page you can catch up on the latest information about the Awards and also look back over the previous years' winners and their contribution to promoting and protecting Bedfordshire's countryside.

The 2012 Living Countryside Awards are now open for nominations. Further details about this year's scheme can be found in What's New - Living Countryside Awards 2012

 

 

A selection of 2012 LCA CPRE Mark, Silver and Commended award winning projects images © Barry Halton

 

Living Countryside Awards 2011 Presentation

 

Peter Kendall, President of the NFU

President of the National Farmers Union (NFU), Peter Kendall, himself a farmer in Bedfordshire, presented CPRE Bedfordshires fourth annual round of Living Countryside Awards on 7th October at a large gathering at Shortmead House, Biggleswade, winners in the 2010 Awards.

The scheme aims to bring recognition to people who are making special efforts to enhance the rural appearance and biodiversity of the county but whose efforts don't often get noticed. Awards are given for landscape improvement, use of historic buildings and sustainable living.

In a thought-provoking speech, Peter stressed the need to balance preservation of the countryside with secure production of food for the predicted future population growth in the UK, which currently produces less than 50 percent of its needs. He called for open debate about the planning challenges of accommodating large agricultural plants in the landscape whilst not spoiling the beauty of the countryside, but with such a high current level of public interest in country matters he is optimistic that creative solutions can be found.

+/- View more images from the presentation .......

 

Five CPRE Marks (listed below), the highest level of award, were given this year along with Silver and Commended awards in three categories.

 

LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT

 

CPRE Mark to:

Harrold-Odell Country Park

Harrold-Odell Country Park was selected as a prime example of how country parks should be developed and managed to preserve a rural feel whilst catering for the needs of many types of visitor. Its professional staff and enthusiastic volunteers have greatly improved the variety and biodiversity of the landscape over the last ten years.

Click image to enlarge

 

 

Silver award

Henlow Bridge Lakes

The creation of two large fishing lakes with disabled access in former scrub land near Arlesey railway bridge provided an attractive new location for the county's anglers and a more diverse habitat for wildlife. The owner of the site, which includes a well designed caravan park, planted some 20,000 saplings and also voluntarily opened a new public footpath along the delightful bank of the River Hiz.

John O'Gaunt Golf Club Ecology, Sutton

The staff and members of the golf club, previous entrants for the Living Countryside Awards, continue to develop new areas for the benefit of wildlife and flora. The latest example is the Cartagena course, which is having the edges of the fairways enlarged to encourage wildflowers, gorse planted in old bunkers and its mature trees fitted with additional nesting boxes.

Sheri's Garden, Bromham Lower School

A memorial garden to a former pupil has been completely renovated using creative landscape design, high quality materials and imaginative planting. All 320 children planted something, giving them a sense of ownership. The garden is accessible to villagers and the seating is arranged to provide quiet spaces for thought.

Townlands, Aspley Guise

Three years ago the Parish Council and a group of volunteers set about improving a disused piece of land which was attracting vandalism and have transformed the site into a much appreciated village asset. It now has open grassland, fruit trees, a willow maze and play equipment. But the highlight is a spectacular wildflower meadow, full of colour and interest, and improving year on year.

 

Commended

Turvey Community Orchard

A neglected piece of land next to the village cricket pitch is being developed as a community orchard by volunteers who have planted and now tend fruit tress sponsored by village donors. A wide variety of traditional species of apples, pears, plums and cherries are growing alongside more ambitious experiments with apricots and figs.

 

 

BUILDINGS

 

CPRE Marks to:

St. Margaret of Antioch church

St. Margaret of Antioch church in Knotting has been sensitively restored by the Churches Conservation Trust to preserve its rustic, timeless character. The Grade 1 listed church, which has Norman origins, had become redundant in such a tiny village but after a two-year project it now has a secure future.

Click image to enlarge

 

 

Silver award

The Mansion, Shuttleworth College (roof and tower)

The Grade 2* Victorian country house is a significant feature in the landscape but its roof and tower had started to leak in recent years. A major phase of restoration was recently completed, using stone acquired from the original Northamptonshire quarry before its closure and genuine Welsh slates.

 

Commended

All Saints church, Little Staughton

The villagers were outraged when thieves stole the copper lightning conductor from the church in 2007, pulling down the top two metres of its stone spire in the attack. It has now been replaced and the building has recovered its former glory as a prominent landmark on the North Bedfordshire wolds.

Close Cottage, Swineshead

The ingenious and enthusiastic owners and their architect have restored a Grade II listed cottage which had stood derelict for the last ten years in an important location opposite the church. The owners have replaced rotten timbers, preserved wattle and daub sections and re-used pantiles to retain the building's integrity, whilst skilfully incorporating energy efficient measures such as an air source heat pump.

 

 

SUSTAINABLE LIVING:

 

CPRE Mark to:

Rush Matters

Rush Matters is a very successful and sustainable business based in Colesden which makes high quality home wares and flooring from rushes harvested in Bedfordshire's rivers. Rushes are cut in the traditional way and dried and stored in ancient barns. The products are then woven by local craftspeople and marketed internationally.

Click image to enlarge

Roger Evans, Master Thatcher

Roger Evans is a Master Thatcher based in Riseley whose work can be seen throughout Bedfordshire. His 45-year contribution to maintaining the visual heritage of villages in the county and further afield has been huge and he was particularly commended for his efforts in teaching those skills to the next generation of thatchers.

Click image to enlarge

Pecks Farm Shop at Eggington & Stockwell Farm Woodland Project

Pecks Farm Shop at Eggington was recognised as an excellent outlet for a wide range of locally produced foods and drinks, supporting farmers, bakers, brewers and many others. Its owners have also completed a project involving the planting of 100,000 trees over ten years at nearby Stockwell Farm Woodland Project, creating the largest wood in the area and open to visitors.

Click image to enlarge

 

 

 

Silver award

Stondon Lower School

The compact garden outside the school is heavily used for learning and play and much loved by enthusiastic teachers and pupils. It features a productive poultry enclosure, a very clever greenhouse built entirely from discarded plastic bottles, composting facilities and beds devoted to flowers and vegetables. Lessons in various subjects are created using aspects of the garden and the children are able to use it for rest or games.

Commended

Kingfisher Way Arts Festival

An imaginative new venture comprising a programme of music, visual arts and literary events held over the early summer period aims to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the natural and cultural attractions of an area which encompasses Moggerhanger, Tempsford, Great Barford, Blunham and Roxton. It also compliments the Riversmeet Hidden Britain initiative which provides local walking routes and information boards.

 

Download our leaflet showing all of this years entries    PDF 1.26MB.

Many thanks to our 3 judges who gave of their time to view all the projects entered for the scheme and for their carefully worded assessment of each:

Alan Cox, expert adviser and writer on historic buildings, conservation and Bedfordshire’s heritage (formerly with Bedfordshire County Council –conservation section and with the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England, later merged with English Heritage.)

Steve Halton, Senior Project Officer – Ecology and Community with Central Bedfordshire Council working with village and countryside groups across the county.

James Collett-White , Bedfordshire local historian, lecturer, historic houses tour guide, writer and archivist (Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Council)

 

 

 

Living Countryside Awards 2010 Presentation

 

Tony Juniper (R) with Andrew Phillips (L) of Northwood End Farm

Living Countryside Awards 2010

…for those caring and using the landscape

Tony Juniper (1), widely acclaimed eco-warrior, presented CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) Bedfordshire’s Living Countryside Awards (2) at a large gathering at Howbury Hall, Renhold on 11th December. Tony is a leading authority and writer on environmental issues.

The culture and history of our landscape is part of our national identity Tony said and added:

“Our landscape protects our wildlife, is a source of food and is valuable to our health and well-being. Our landscape is under enormous pressure from urban development, from industrial farming methods and from pollution. Nevertheless the environmental lobby has done well in the UK, with, for instance, farmers adopting good conservation practices, the establishments of SSSIs and National Parks. The return of barn owls, buzzards, red kites, finches, water voles and otters is clear evidence of this. Climate Change is bringing incredible challenges but individuals can make a huge difference - hence the importance of the projects highlighted in tonight’s CPRE Awards.”

+/- View more images from the presentation .......

 

6 projects received the CPRE Mark-gold equivalent and stood out among the many other excellent entries. All 6 projects enhance the local environment sympathetically, have involved the local community or are accessible to the general public.

CPRE has been delighted with the range of entries for this year’s awards scheme. For photographic images and summary of all 21 entries download:
Living Countryside Awards 2010 Handout   (PDF 1.8MB)

 

The awards are:

 

LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT

 

CPRE Mark to:

Northwood End Farm, Haynes

The landscape of this farm has been steadily improved by its owner over the last 15 years with the intention of restoring it to its appearance before hedges were removed and ponds filled in during the 1960s. A large amount of planting has been carried out, ponds reopened and the traditional orchard is now revived. Neighbours have helped restore the farm’s footpaths and public access has been greatly improved.

Judges (3) comments:

• Good application of Countryside Stewardship schemes to enhance and protect the countryside
• Public access (footpaths & bridleways) encouraged
• Establishment and maintenance of hedgerows, coppices and drives
• Pond clearance and restoration
• Biodiversity
• Landscape enhancement and reclamation
• Environmental protection
• Use of historical evidence to reinstate thelandscape
• Excellent demonstration of landscape improvement and commercial success
• Diverse, productive landscape

 

 

Other Awards

Highly commended

Community Orchard, Harrold Odell Country Park
Vandyke Curve Wildflower Meadow, Leighton Buzzard
Wadelows Nature Reserve (Poplars Garden Centre), Toddington

 

Silver award

Thurleigh Community Memorial Garden, Thurleigh
John O’Gaunt Golf course ‘ecology’, Sutton
Renhold Wildflower Meadow, Renhold

 

 

HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND LANDSCAPE:

 

CPRE Marks to:

Queen Anne’s Summerhouse, Old Warden

The Landmark Trust restored a derelict eighteenth century folly on the Shuttleworth estate to an extremely high standard, for use as holiday accommodation. Painstaking research into the original materials and techniques used, combined with a creative flair and ingenious new constructions, have combined to provide a comfortable home which preserves the building’s unique historical character.

Judges (3) comments:

• Beautiful restoration and preservation of a historic building in tranquil surrounds
• Sympathetic and well researched restoration
• Environmentally friendly restoration (e.g. use of ground source heat pumps)
• Commercial venture to support sustainability
• Use of local materials and services / contractors
• Use of available funding
• Community involvement (including local school children)

 

St Denys Church and Colmworth Country Park (Joint award)

St Denys Church

A major restoration project undertaken by the people of the village, employing local craftsmen and making ingenious use of recycled materials to reduce cost and preserve originality. The woodwork in the church, which had suffered from extensive rot and death watch beetle attack, was skilfully remodelled by a local cabinet maker and the church interior, with its unique features, is now secured for future generations.

Judges (3) comments:

• Enhancement and protection of a beautiful historic landscape and building
• Sympathetic and accurate restoration, with attention to detail
• Considers historical past and modern day requirements of an active church
• Use of local materials
• Use of local trades people
• Use of available grants
• Original features + recycling of materials
• Practical and sympathetic restoration

 

Colmworth Country Park, Colmworth

A five hectare field has been developed into an informal, peaceful countryside space for public use. It includes a large quantity of new native tree planting, the creation of a wildflower meadow, enlargement of an existing copse and the improvement of a large pond. The project is the result of local consultation and fundraising, with all the work carried out by village volunteers.

Judges (3) comments:

• Local species - Tree replanting to enhance landscape aesthetic and biodiversity
• Excellent community access and involvement – very inclusive
• Consideration of biodiversity - species, succession, communities, pond renovation
• Open days to involve the whole village
• Use of available grants
• Involvement of other groups to enhance the scheme (e.g. Woodland Trust)
• Tranquillity at the edge of the village
• A whole village resource

 

Shortmead House, Biggleswade

The owners of this small Georgian manor house have been meticulously restoring the house to its former glory over the past decade. The surrounding gardens, a mix of formal and natural areas with ponds, are also benefiting from historical research and the use of traditional and contemporary materials which attract a wide variety of amphibians and insects. The local community responded enthusiastically to the invitation to be involved in this ambitious project, which remains accessible to the public.

Judges (3) comments:

• Imaginative, well planned and designed restoration of house, garden and grounds
• Public access encouraged
• Involvement of young people - educational value
• Landscape enhancement to improve aesthetics and visual character of the area
• Commercial benefits
• Largely self-financed and self-motivated
• Diversity – gardens, grounds and house
• Excellent community involvement – volunteers, newsletter

 

Stotfold Mill, Stotfold

The painstaking restoration of a 19th century water mill which was completed gutted by fire in 1992. The project was completed in 2009 by a committed group of volunteers who carried out the fundraising and construction, supported by a millwright and a builder with specialist knowledge of the structure. The mill is now fully operational and offers a fascinating experience for visitors and a unique educational resource.

Judges (3) comments:

• Extensive, beautiful renovation of Grade II listed building
• Significant enhancement and protection of a historic landscape and building
• Sympathetic and accurate restoration, with attention to detail
• Modern access for all
• Educational value
• Community involvement
• Commercial benefits
• Effective use of available grants

 

 

Other Awards

Highly commended

Brogborough Manor Farm, Brogborough
Hinwick House and Gardens, Hinwick

 

Commended

Brickhill Pastures Farm Buildings, Maulden

 

 

SUSTAINABLE LIVING:

 

CPRE Mark to:

Wassledine, Gravenhurst

A small farm business run by a dedicated team who aim to make a viable living from the land whilst at the same time leaving it in as good, or better, condition in terms of productivity, beauty and biodiversity as when the project started. 70 acres of old water meadows, new hedgerows and commercial willow and hazel plantations host varied wildlife habitats and a herd of Red Poll cattle, whose beef forms one of the farm’s main products.

Judges (3) comments:

• Preservation of relatively rare (in Bedfordshire) livestock enterprise and associated landscape
• Community involvement and local volunteers
• Hedgerow establishment & maintenance
• Enhancing biodiversity
• Use of local species
• Public access
• Use of different willow varieties for local crafts
• Commercial benefits
• Diverse, productive landscape
• Sustainable business plans

 

 

Other awards

Highly commended

Garden Friends Farm Shop, Roxton

 

Silver award

Browns of Stagsden Farm Shop, Stagsden
Sustainable Oakley, Oakley

 

 

 

Notes

(1) -Tony Juniper, currently works as a Special Adviser to the Prince of Wales Charities’ International Sustainability Unit and has co-written with the Prince of Wales a recently published book: Harmony-a new way of looking at the world. In 1990 Juniper joined the staff of Friends of the Earth, where he maintained a strong public presence for the organization in the UK and internationally. He was widely recognized for his work in elevating environmental issues. He is also a member of several advisory groups and boards.

(2) - The CPRE Bedfordshire Living Countryside Awards scheme aims to recognise landowners, individuals and commercial users of the land who are making special efforts to preserve and enhance the visual appearance and biodiversity of Bedfordshire and to make a living from the countryside. Some of them receive little appreciation for their efforts to keep our landscape in good order for future generations. The Awards seek to redress this and celebrate their achievements. At the end of its 3rd year, CPRE has now recognised over 50 projects that improve the visual appearance, biodiversity and tranquillity of Bedfordshire.

(3) -The judges:
(i) Prof Jane Rickson, Chair in Soil Erosion and Conservation at Cranfield University
(ii) Steve Halton, Senior Project Officer - Ecology and Community with Central Bedfordshire Council
(ii) Nicolas Tye, nicolas tye architects, Maulden, Bedfordshire

 

 

 

 

 

2009 Living Countryside Awards by Nicholas Crane

 

Living Countryside Awards 2009

…for those caring and using the landscape

Nicholas Crane (1) presented CPRE Bedfordshire’s Living Countryside Awards (2) at a large gathering held at Milton House Barn, Milton Ernest on 3rd December. Nick talked about the importance of protecting our countryside and encouraging people of all ages to enjoy its beauty and tranquillity. Nick is concerned about climate change and the effects of extensive air travel so wants people to enjoy the countryside near us.

He said:

“In Britain, we have a landscape of such extraordinary diversity that it needs protecting. Tonight we have seen what is being done in one small county to care for and enhance our landscape and to make a living from the countryside in imaginative ways.”

For photographic images of all 14 shortlisted entries download Living Countryside Awards 2009 Presentation leaflet (PDF 1.6MB).

12 awards were presented, of which 6 were the CPRE Mark-gold equivalent.

Some of the judges’ (3) comments are listed below.

 

LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENT

 

1. Commended to Harrold Odell Country Park Orchard Project

Good community involvement now & in future planting a range of traditional fruit trees. Combination of commercial and environmental benefits

2. Highly Commended to Henlow Walk and Booklet

Impressive booklet of walks with imaginative use of spare cash to build a bridge leading to further footpaths, encouraging walkers to enjoy the countryside of Mid Beds.

3. Highly Commended to Little Green Pond, Caddington

Nice example of a community and partnership project. Working with local schools Increase in biodiversity and, particularly, wetland and woodland habitats.

4. Silver to Stratton Park Balancing Pond

Largely self financed ongoing work, with the farmer’s personal dedication and drive clearly evident Good on aesthetics, biodiversity, tranquillity. Environmental protection very. strong Good community access – Friends Group in process of being formed.

 

The CPRE Mark to:

1. Yelnow Organic Farm, Odell

Developed over 10 years, 70 acres site, 24 acres woodland, hedgerows, grassland, haven of wildlife, footpaths to encourage walkers. Entry Level Stewardship and Countryside Stewardship scheme. Raft of environmentally sensitive techniques and countryside crafts locally sourced materials for fencing, willow sculptures, barn restoration. Training Projects for young people including WOOFers who volunteer on organic farms. Good biodiversity and example of cross-cutting working.

2. Stotfold Mill Meadows Nature Reserve

Excellent planning over several years. Environmental protection, biodiversity, community access and involvement (e.g. adopt a tree scheme). Self-financing. Sponsored by local people; Good volunteer connections with the restored Mill .Full partnership project (local authority, 3rd sector projects etc).

3. Songs and Plovers – Barton Hill Farm

Another very impressive project with tangible benefits for wildlife, access and landscape. Excellent demonstration farm, showing integration of environmental protection, preservation of landscape features and commercial farming are compatible. Strong on education – open farm days to groups and other public access. Farm walks a huge success with much community involvement. Use of partnerships and finances to increase value of scheme.

 

COUNTRYSIDE CRAFT

CPRE Mark to:

1. Nude Ewe, Conservation Wools Project

Very impressive project led with much enthusiasm. Superb example of local sustainability – local sheep to wool - shearing to knitting wools (business). Clear links between land management, biodiversity, conservation, landscape and commercial interests Self-financing. Excellent publicity and delivery of aims.

2. Bedfordshire Beekeepers Association

Good case study of combining biodiversity, commerce, landscape, tradition, sustainability. Crucial to the protection and preservation of rural landscapes and farming activities. Excellent training sessions across the county, also engaging young people are engaged, with plans to greatly extend bee keeping work.

 

LEISURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE LANDSCAPE

1. Highly Commended to John O’Gaunt Golf Club Nest Boxes Project

Impressive personal campaign over 10 years to increase bird life by making and fitting bird boxes around the golf course, then monitoring the 100s of nesting birds.

 

HISTORIC LANDSCAPE

1. Silver to All Saints Churchyard, Odell

An example of what churchyards can do with of community-led conservation project, e.g. ‘adopt a grave’! Excellent biodiversity and historical work; mix of wildness and well-tendered areas

 

CPRE Mark to:

1. Luton Hoo Walled Garden Project

Excellent example of ‘historic landscape category’. Wide involvement of volunteers, both practical and doing historical research. Superb example of partnership working. Involve all of community; Working with schools. Aesthetically very pleasing and with big commercial potential. Tranquillity (one of CPRE’s aims).

 

 

Living Countryside Awards 2009 Presentation leaflet (PDF 1.6MB).

Notes:

(1) Nicholas Crane, well known writer and broadcaster with a passion for walking and cycling in the British countryside, is a Vice President of CPRE.

(2) The CPRE Bedfordshire Living Countryside Awards scheme aims to recognise landowners, individuals and commercial users of the land who are making special efforts to preserve and enhance the visual appearance and biodiversity of Bedfordshire and to make a living from the countryside. Some of them receive little appreciation for their efforts to keep our landscape in good order for future generations. The Awards seek to redress this and celebrate their achievements.

(3) The judges:
Matthew O’Brien, Countryside Advisor and representative for Bedfordshire’s Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)
Prof Jane Rickson, Chair in Soil Erosion and Conservation at Cranfield University
Steve Halton, Senior Project Officer - Community Partnerships with Central Bedfordshire Council.

 

 

 

 

2008 COUNTRYSIDE AND DESIGN AWARDS

 

The Bedfordshire branch’s first Countryside and Awards scheme held its awards ceremony on Saturday, 6 December, at Howbury Hall, Renhold, BEDFORD, by kind permission of Julian Polhill and Lucy Copeman. The awards were presented by Dr. Paul Leinster CBE, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency. He was welcomed by Neil Sinden, Director of Policy at CPRE National Office . Awards were made in four categories - Landscape, Historic buildings, Vernacular buildings and New buildings.

A presentation illustrating the many good features of all 19 entries was shown to a packed audience. It was prepared by Barry Halton, a new member of our Executive and a professional photographer.

 

Summerhill Farm Shop, Cardington, Presentation by Dr Paul Leinster CBE (Chief Executive, Environment Agency) to on left (by stairs) : David Adams (Southill Estate Office) and right Andy Jones, Shop Manager. Venue Howbury Hall, Renhold.

Download the full colour handout Countryside and Design Awards 2008 Entries (PDF 1.4 MB)

For comments made by the judges and a full list of entries showing the levels of all awards: CPRE Mark, Silver and Commended click here (PDF 128KB)

 

There are 6 winners of the CPRE Mark-Gold equivalent-for 2008.

 

LANDSCAPE

 

Walled Garden, Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton

Within a Luton Borough visitor, this garden has been transformed into a multitude of features and uses for the community, including specimen planting of native species, simulated global environments, playgrounds and agricultural museum pieces.

 

Multiple environments and features, truly something to interest everyone

Castle Close Wildlife and Heritage Site, Sharnbrook

A piece of formerly neglected and almost inaccessible land next to a recently developed housing estate now managed by local volunteers for the benefit of the village. It includes an ancient earthwork and ponds as well as mature woodland and open grass areas.

 

Neglected jungle transformed by volunteers into a community landmark

 

VERNACULAR BUILDINGS

 

Cardington Farm Shop

A range of single storey timber barns, retaining original external features, adapted for use as a farm shop, selling local produce and employing local staff. Very good to see a barn remaining in commercial use.

 

Barn remaining in commercial use selling local and regional produce

 

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

 

Moggerhanger House and Park

The restoration of a Grade 1 listed John Soane small mansion house after years of use as a hospital required painstaking research and craftsmanship. The historic landscaped gardens by Humphry Repton have been improved but will be fully restored during the next phase.

 

Pure conservation, impeccably researched and a big achievement for the community group

Luton Hoo

The renovation of a Grade 1 listed mansion set in a Capability Brown landscape by the Elite Hotels group for use as a luxury hotel has demanded ingenuity, fine craftsmanship and has incurred considerable cost.

 

Thorough restoration of important landmark and former private house to create a luxury hotel. The stonemason's craftsmanship outside is excellent

 

NEW BUILDINGS

 

Long Barn Studio, Maulden

A striking new architect's studio designed to provide a creative work environment and demonstrate new use of materials, without intruding on a landscape which includes existing farm buildings.

 

A stimulating innovative working environment which makes a contribution to the landscape and uses sustainable technologies

 

Read more about the presentation .......

 

2011 © Campaign to Protect Rural England County of Bedfordshire Branch Registered Charity 1023435