Launched earlier this year, alongside the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network, the awards are designed to recognise and reward positive action for nature and the environment across the county – and to inspire others to act.  

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is passionate about creating a healthy natural world which benefits us all but recognises that it can't do this on its own. The charity believes that we can all be part of a people-powered movement for nature's recovery and that local action, by people who know their areas best, will make a real difference.  

To celebrate the contribution people, communities and organisations are making across the county, the Trust created the Wilder Nottinghamshire Awards and has been delighted by the number, diversity and quality of the nominations.   

Speaking about the Awards, Head of People & Nature Liz Fleuty said:  “Through the Wilder Nottinghamshire Awards we aim to celebrate local action and to encourage and inspire more people than ever before to take action – whether by making space for nature or speaking up for nature’s recovery. We wanted the awards to be open to everyone so we kept the nomination process simple and we’ve been delighted with the response.”  

More than 30 nominations and applications were received from across the county in five categories and the judges had a difficult job deciding who to recognise with an award. 

In Nottingham, the Trust will be recognising JD Atkin, the chair of Friends of Colwick Woods who’s passion for improving green spaces and protecting wildlife has been inspirational; Wild.NG, which has drastically reduced the amount of poisonous weedkillers being used on local streets and improved habitat for swifts; and triplets Waimi, Mbetmi & Yimi who have been taking action for nature and climate locally from an early age and use their enthusiasm and platform to reach influencers and decision makers.

In the heart of the county, Asquith Primary School have welcomed wildlife into the school grounds and built  care for the environment into the school day; and  farmer Adrian Baugh of Caunton - a huge advocate of nature friendly farming techniques who has planted over 23,000 trees on his land.  Further north, the Friends of Woodlands and Coachwood Green at Shireoaks have embraced the importance of engaging the community and providing opportunities for people to learn about and connect with nature, whilst Polybell, one of the largest growers of organic vegetables in the UK, which has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing nature across the farm  - demonstrating that nature-friendly farming can work at scale

Liz added: “Reading through the nominations really brings home just how many people are taking positive action for nature and the environment in all parts of the county. It was exciting and inspiring to hear about people and projects we’ve not seen before and how some long-standing projects have developed. Choosing which to recognise with awards was very difficult as everyone who applied or was nominated is making a difference, but we felt that these individuals, projects and businesses stood out – demonstrating real impact for nature and providing real inspiration for others across the community.”   

Full list of nominations and applications set to receive a Wilder Nottinghamshire Award

Wilder Champion (over 25)

• Marysia Zipser (Leyton Crescent Park, Beeston)
• JD Atkin (Friends of Colwick Woods)
• Kayleigh Woodhouse (Nottinghamshire Amphibian & Reptile Group)    

Wilder Champion (under 25)

• Maiya Evans (Nottinghamshire Amphibian & Reptile Group)
• Keeping it Wild (Nottingham)
• Waimi, Mbetmi & Yimi, known as PlanetTrio (Hucknall, Nottingham)  

Wilder School

• Glade Hill Primary (Bestwood Park)
• Asquith Primary School (Mansfield)
• William Booth (Sneinton)  

Wilder Community

• Bestwood Country Park Wildlife Group
• Friends of Woodlands and Coachwood Green (Shireoaks, Worksop)
• Wild.NG (Sherwood, Carrington, Basford, Mapperley)   

Wilder Farming

• Adrian Baugh (Caunton)
• Henry Ogle (Headon)
• Pollybell Farm (Gringley on the Hill)
• FarmEco (Screveton)

Wilder Business

• Bulwell Forest Garden (Bulwell, Nottingham)
• Boots & Brambles Forest School (Tollerton)
• Rhubarb Farm (Langwith, Whaley)
• Andy Callow, Sherwood Garden Consultancy (Sherwood, Nottingham)    

Whilst all the above projects were deemed worthy of recognition, a small number were chosen by the judges as ‘Highly Commended’ including:   

Marysia Zipser, Maiya Evans, Glade Hill Primary, Bestwood Country Park Wildlife Group, Wild.NG, Adrian Baugh, Farmeco, Bulwell Forest Garden & Boots & Brambles Forest School.  

The people and projects chosen for recognition will receive a special certificate and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust hopes that many of those nominated or who applied will play an active role in sharing ideas and encouraging others to take action within their communities.   

Liz explained: 

“Since launching the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network in the spring almost 60 groups from all parts of the county have joined and we’re already starting to see groups benefitting from their connection by sharing ideas and expertise and seeing the amazing variety of work that people are doing to make Nottinghamshire wilder. We very much hope that those recognised through the awards, and all those nominated, will work with us as part of the people powered movement for nature’s recovery."