Lovers, supporters and contributors to Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are being encouraged to take part in a brand new award to recognise their achievements in conserving and enhancing our AONB

The David Wood National Landscape Award, is named after the eponymous Shotley Peninsula county councillor who lives in Tattingstone and is also the chairman of Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB.

It is intended the award pressed this year for the first time but will become an annual award scheme. Award winners will receive a framed copy of a linocut print created by local artist, Jem Seeley, and produced by Drab Ltd featuring the Coast & Heaths AONB's iconic species, the Redshank.

David Wood believes it is important to recognise the hard work and amazing contributions that people are making to improve the AONB, so it is better for wildlife, communities, and visitors.

The recognition of this annual award will hopefully inspire others to get involved in the Coast & Heaths AONB to ensure its outstanding landscape, wildlife, heritage and culture is protected for all to enjoy.

A large swathe of the Shotley peninsula is within the AONB, with even more added last year when it was extended following years of consultation and the government gave its seal of approval.

Anyone can be put forward for the award if they have made an outstanding contribution to the AONB in any of the below areas.

Landscape and farming

Tourism

Outdoor education

Access to the countryside

Nominations are open now until Sunday 7th February 2021 and you can send your choice with this AONB online nomination form here...

The winner will be chosen from the nominations received, decided by a panel of judges including the AONB Joint Advisory Committee Chair and the AONB Manager.

The Award recipient will be presented with the award at an event, with the date to be confirmed.