REWARDING THE BEST IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Is there a countryside project in the Peak District which you feel has made a really positive contribution to the local environment? And would you like to see it rewarded for its innovation or excellence?

If so, it should be entered for the prestigious annual Friends of the Peak District Countryside Awards for 2007, entries for which have just opened. The closing date is May 31, so don’t delay.

The free and easy-to-enter FPD Countryside Awards are intended to showcase and reward the best and most innovative work in building design and conservation, landscape architecture and access and interpretation in projects in the Peak District.

Christopher Pennell, Chair of the judging panel, added: We hope to promote the idea that development can have a positive impact when carried out with care and sensitivity. Both building and landscape schemes which are judged to have made a beneficial physical improvement to their environment will be considered.

In addition, we want to encourage greater appreciation of the countryside, and are looking to reward projects which enhance the public’s enjoyment of the rural environment, and increase access for the widest range of people, both physically and intellectually.

For example, last year’s winners from the Peak District included an innovative series of guided audio walks, and a new Air Cadet parade ground and building combined with affordable housing.