New award launched to celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions to the Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley

Cows by the River Stour
Cows at Sunrise on river Stour between Stratford St Mary and Dedham

A brand new award has been launched in 2021 to celebrate and recognise the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to conserving and enhancing the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Stour Valley.

The Robert Erith National Landscape Award will recognise the hard work and amazing contributions that people are making to improve the AONB, helping to make it an even better place for wildlife, communities, and visitors alike.

The award, named after Robert Erith TD DL, former Chairman of the Dedham Vale AONB & Stour Valley Partnership and lifelong advocate for this special landscape, aims to inspire others to get involved in the AONB to ensure the outstanding landscape, wildlife, heritage and culture is protected for all to enjoy for many generations to come.

Anyone can be put forward for the award if they have made an outstanding contribution to the AONB in the following areas:

  1. Landscape and farming
  2. Biodiversity
  3. Tourism
  4. Community engagement
  5. Outdoor education
  6. Culture or heritage
  7. Access to the countryside

Nominations can be made online or by downloading a nomination formThe closing date for nominations is Sunday 7th February 2020.

For more information on the Robert Erith National Landscape Award, you can contact AONB Countryside Projects Officer Emma Black by email or by phone on 01394 445225