The Hampshire countryside is full of people quietly making a big difference—and this summer, CPRE Hampshire is inviting the community to help shine a light on them. The 2025 Countryside Awards are now open for nominations, celebrating the individuals, projects and organisations working to protect and enhance the county’s rural areas. This year brings exciting changes. As part of CPRE’s centenary celebrations, 2025 introduces four new award categories.
New for 2025:
Best Housing SolutionBest Solution
Seeking inspiring housing projects across the Hampshire countryside that reflect values of sustainability, community, affordability, and environmental care. Whether large or small, new builds or sensitive conversions, entries should support local people, skills, and nature while contributing to a better rural future.
Green and Blue SpacesGreen Spaces
From the South Downs to the New Forest and from community gardens to chalk streams, this category celebrates projects that enhance Hampshire’s blue and green spaces. It recognises local initiatives that improve natural environments—woodlands, meadows, parks, rivers, wetlands, and coasts—for the benefit of both people and nature, now and in the future.
Countryside ChangemakerCountryside Changemaker
Celebrates individuals who are making a real difference in the Hampshire countryside – through action, advocacy, and inspiration.
The Countryside Changemaker AwardThe Award is open to individuals of any age.
The Rising Star AwardThe Award is open to individuals under 25 years old.
Nominees must be living or working in Hampshire and show a passion for protecting, improving, or championing the countryside in creative and meaningful ways.
Best Access to the CountrysideBest Countryside
This award celebrates projects that make the Hampshire countryside more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming. From new paths and signage to community-led programmes, it recognises initiatives—large or small—that remove barriers, reflect local needs, and help more people enjoy nearby green spaces.
Winners in each category will receive £100 and be entered into the Hampshire Choice Award, a public vote in November with an additional £500 prize. All local winners will also be automatically nominated for the national CPRE Awards in December, offering the chance for Hampshire’s countryside heroes to gain recognition on a wider stage.
Nominations are open until September, and entering is free and simple. Whether it’s a wildlife project, a community garden, a campaign for green spaces or a local accessibility initiative, CPRE Hampshire wants to hear your story.
To submit a nomination, visit
www.cprehampshire.org.ukwww.uk and share the details of your project along with a few photos.