Please note the Awards Nominations are now CLOSED. Finalists will be announced from 10am on 01 October.

Who is making Cheshire Wilder Title image

OUR SHORT-LISTED FINALISTS CERTAINLY ARE!

From school playgrounds to farms. From community projects to businesses. Cheshire is full of people taking action for nature.

We thank you for your nominations around restoring habitats, protecting species, inspiring others or taking action for nature in schools, your community, farms or workplaces.

Our panel of judges are working on our short list of finalists and the finalists will be announced on 01 October from 10am onwards.

VIEW OUR FINALISTS!

Help us to find Cheshire’s Nature Champions…

Why the Wilder Cheshire Awards?

Nature recovery doesn’t happen by accident, it happens because people care enough to act.

Across Cheshire and Warrington, thousands of people are creating habitats, protecting wildlife, improving landscapes, inspiring communities and helping more people connect with nature. Many of these stories go unseen.

The Wilder Cheshire Awards have been created to shine a spotlight on those individuals, schools, businesses, farmers, community groups and organisations making a genuine difference.

By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire even more people to take action for nature and help create a Wilder Cheshire for future generations.

Help promote the Wilder Cheshire Awards with our campaign activation kit. Discover digital and print assets to help share across your community.

VIEW ACTIVATION KIT

NOMINATIONS CLOSED

Celebrating the People Helping Nature Thrive

A wildlife garden. A restored pond. A school nature project. A community litter pick. A new wetland. A thriving hedgerow. A business investing in nature. A farmer finding new ways to work with the landscape.

Every action matters.

Together, these projects are helping nature recover across Cheshire and Warrington and creating healthier, more resilient places for wildlife and people.

The Wilder Cheshire Awards celebrate the people, projects and organisations making that happen.

Who can enter?

The awards are open to anyone 18 and over – individuals, schools, businesses, farmers, community groups, charities, conservation organisations, landowners and partnerships across Cheshire and Warrington.

Projects of all sizes are welcome. Judges are interested in impact, innovation and commitment, not simply scale or budget.

If you’re helping create a Wilder Cheshire, we’d love to hear your story.

Wilder Cheshire Awards Categories

Please click on a category below for more details on each award and the entry requirements.

YOUNG WILDLIFE CHAMPION

Celebrating young people helping nature thrive.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Less screen time. More green time and green fingers.

What is this award?

This award celebrates young people aged under 25 who are taking action to help nature recover across Cheshire and Warrington.

From bug hotels and bird boxes to school gardens and wildlife projects, young people across the region are helping nature thrive. Whether you’re protecting wildlife, creating habitats, inspiring others, campaigning for change or taking action in your school or community, this award recognises young people making a genuine difference for nature and the people around them.

Who can enter?

Individuals aged under 25 who live, study or volunteer in Cheshire and Warrington.

Examples might include:

Creating wildlife habitats or community nature projects
Leading environmental campaigns or initiatives
Inspiring others through education or social media
Volunteering for conservation organisations
Championing biodiversity in schools, colleges or local communities

What are the judges looking for?

Leadership & Initiative (25%)

Taking action independently or leading others
Going beyond school or curriculum requirements

Impact for Nature (25%)

Positive outcomes for wildlife, habitats or biodiversity
Evidence that activities are making a difference

Engagement & Influence (20%)

Inspiring friends, schools or local communities
Raising awareness of nature recovery

Innovation & Creativity (15%)

Creative ideas or new approaches to helping nature

Future Potential (15%)

Long-term commitment and plans to continue making a difference

Entry Questions

Tell us about yourself and the nature project, activity or initiative you have been involved in.
(300 words)

What difference has your work made for nature?
Please include any examples, evidence or outcomes where possible.
(300 words)

How have you inspired, engaged or influenced other people?
For example, friends, family, your school or local community.
(250 words)

What makes your approach unique, creative or innovative?
(200 words)

What are your plans for the future and how do you hope to continue helping nature recover?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video links

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

WILDER SCHOOL AWARD

Recognising schools inspiring the next generation to connect with and care for nature.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Is your school the wildest in Cheshire?

More bugs. More birds. More children outside.

What is this award?

This award recognises schools, that are helping young people discover, understand and care for nature.

From wildlife gardens and outdoor classrooms to pollinator projects and eco clubs. We’re looking for schools, that are putting nature at the heart of school life, embedding it into everyday learning and inspiring the next generation to connect with and care for the natural world.

Who can enter?

Primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and specialist educational settings across Cheshire and Warrington.

Examples might include:

Outdoor learning programmes
Nature-based curriculum activities
Wildlife gardens, ponds or meadows
Eco councils and pupil-led initiatives
Citizen science and biodiversity projects

What are the judges looking for?

Nature Discovery (20%)

Helping pupils discover, explore and understand nature
Outdoor learning embedded into school life and curriculum
Students actively exploring ecosystems

Stewardship of School Grounds (25%)

Creating and managing wildlife-friendly spaces – wildflower areas, ponds, woodland patches etc..
Improving habitats for nature on site

Inspiration & Behaviour Change (20%)

Encouraging pupils, families and the wider community to care for nature
Pupils demonstrate increased environmental awareness
School influences families or wider community

Measurable Nature Outcomes (20%)

Evidence of increased biodiversity or improved habitats

Pollinators
Habitat diversity

Long-Term Commitment (15%)

Ongoing programmes and a sustained commitment to nature recovery

Maintenance and seasonal management plans

Entry Questions

Tell us about your school’s approach to nature and outdoor learning.
(300 words)
How have you improved your grounds, habitats or spaces for wildlife?
(300 words)
How have pupils, staff and the wider community been involved?
(250 words)
What evidence do you have of positive outcomes for nature and biodiversity?
(300 words)
How are you ensuring this work will continue into the future?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video links

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

COMMUNITY ACTION FOR NATURE AWARD

Celebrating local people and communities acting for wildlife and the places they live.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear wellies.

What is this award?

This award celebrates local communities coming together to restore nature and improve the places where they live.

From village greens and wild spaces to community gardens, litter picks and local wildlife projects, we’re looking for grassroots action that demonstrates the power of people working together to create positive change for wildlife, landscapes and neighbourhoods.

Who can enter?

Community groups, volunteer organisations, parish councils, residents’ groups, charities and informal community networks.

Examples might include:

Community gardens and growing projects
Habitat restoration schemes
Churchyard and cemetery wildlife projects
Local nature reserves and green spaces
Volunteer-led conservation initiatives

What are the judges looking for?

Community Leadership & Ownership (25%)

Led by local people, volunteers or community groups
Strong sense of local pride and ownership

Collective Action & Participation (20%)

Bringing people together and encouraging involvement
Building skills, confidence and shared responsibility

Local Impact for Nature (20%)

Tangible improvements for wildlife, habitats or local green spaces

Community Benefit & Social Value (15%)

Improving wellbeing, community cohesion and connections with nature

Wider Influence & Legacy (20%)

Inspiring others and creating lasting benefits for the community

Entry Questions

Tell us about your group, project or initiative.
(300 words)
What actions have you taken to improve nature in your local area?
(300 words)
How have local people been involved and what impact has this had on the community?
(300 words)
What difference has the project made for wildlife, habitats or green spaces?
(300 words)
What lasting legacy has the project created and what are your future plans?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video links

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

FOOD, FARMING & RESILIENCE AWARD

Recognising farmers and land managers producing food while helping nature recover and building more resilient farm businesses for the future.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Growing food. Growing nature. Growing a Wilder Cheshire.

What is this award?

This award celebrates farmers, growers, land managers and farming businesses producing food while helping nature recover and building more resilient farm businesses for the future.

Across Cheshire and Warrington, farmers are balancing the need to produce high-quality food with protecting soils, supporting species, improving biodiversity and adapting to changing environmental and economic pressures. This award recognises those embracing innovation, sustainable farming practices and long-term thinking to create thriving farms that benefit both people and nature.

Whether through regenerative agriculture, habitat creation, soil improvement, integrated farming systems or community engagement, this award celebrates those demonstrating that food production and nature recovery can go hand in hand.

Who can enter?

Farmers and farming businesses, tenant farmers, estate farming operations, smallholders and growers, land managers involved in food production

Examples might include:

Regenerative farming practices
Improving soil health and fertility
Integrating wildlife habitats into productive farmland
Reducing inputs and improving resource efficiency
Diversifying farm businesses
Innovative approaches to sustainable food production
Supporting local food systems and communities
Species recovery initiatives

What are the judges looking for?

Regenerative Practices (25%)

Farming approaches that improve soil health and reduce environmental impact

Biodiversity Gains (20%)

Creating habitats and supporting wildlife across the farmed landscape

Farm Resilience & Profitability (20%)

Demonstrating that nature-friendly farming can support a sustainable business

Whole Farm Integration (20%)

Nature recovery embedded throughout the farming operation

Leadership & Knowledge Sharing (15%)

Sharing learning and inspiring others across the farming community

Entry Questions

Tell us about your farm or land management approach.
(300 words)
What actions have you taken to support biodiversity, habitats and nature recovery?
(300 words)
How have these actions contributed to the resilience and sustainability of your farming business?
(300 words)
How is nature recovery integrated into your overall farming operation?
(250 words)
How have you shared knowledge or inspired others within the farming community?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Videos

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

LANDSCAPE STEWARDSHIP AWARD

Recognising farmers and land managers who are delivering wider benefits to water, climate, landscape and communities through the stewardship of land.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Looking after the land beyond the farm gate.

What is this award?

This award recognises farmers, landowners and land managers who are delivering wider benefits to water, climate, landscape and communities through the stewardship of land.

We’re looking for those helping landscapes become more resilient by good management of soils, water and caring for other natural features in the landscape. That help deliver broader benefits like groundwater recharge, keeping our rivers clean, reducing flooding to communities downstream, improving quality of landscape character and helping with wider biodiversity, all benefits that extend beyond the farm gate.

Who can enter?

Farmers, estates, landowners, environmental organisations and collaborative land management partnerships.

Examples might include:

Natural flood management projects
River and wetland restoration
Water quality improvements
Woodland creation and management
Carbon sequestration initiatives
Soil and landscape restoration
Catchment-scale environmental projects
Collaborative landscape recovery initiatives

Examples might include:

Good soil management and winter cover crops
Farm water management plans
Wetland creation and restoration
Natural flood management projects
River catchment improvements
Habitat connectivity schemes
Large-scale landscape recovery initiatives

What are the judges looking for?

Stewardship of Land & Natural Systems (25%)

Managing land in ways that work with natural processes
Restoring Cheshire’s landscapes and natural assets.

Water & Flood Resilience (20%)

Improving water quality, reducing flood risk or supporting catchment management

Soil Protection (20%)

Improving soil health and reducing erosion or nutrient loss

Ecosystem Services & Public Benefit (20%)

Delivering wider benefits such as carbon storage, biodiversity or climate resilience

Landscape Connectivity & Character (15%)

Creating joined-up habitats and strengthening ecological networks

Entry Questions

Tell us about your landholding and your approach to land stewardship.
(300 words)
What actions have you taken to improve soil health, water management and resilience for your farm as a business?
(300 words)
How are you helping deliver wider benefits for water resilience (e.g. water quality and holding water in the landscape)
(300 words)
How does your work contribute to landscape-scale nature recovery or habitat connectivity?
(250 words)
What other benefits has your work delivered beyond the farm gate?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video clips

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

BUSINESS FOR NATURE AWARD

Recognising businesses using their influence, investment and innovation to support nature recovery.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Good for business. Good for nature.

What is this award?

This award celebrates businesses that are taking meaningful action to support nature recovery.

We’re looking for organisations proving that commercial success and nature recovery can go hand in hand. Whether you’re improving places for wildlife, creating greener workplaces, safeguarding biodiversity through your supply chain, investing in environmental projects or putting nature at the heart of decision-making, we want to hear your story.

Who can enter?

Businesses of all sizes, from small to medium sized enterprises to large organisations operating within Cheshire and Warrington.

Examples might include:

Habitat creation or biodiversity projects
Biodiversity Net Gain initiatives
Nature-positive supply chains
Investment in environmental projects
Nature part of the work environment
Innovative products, services or business models that benefit nature

What are the judges looking for?

Direct Environmental Impact (25%)

Delivering positive outcomes for nature through projects, investment or land management

Supply Chain Influence (20%)

Encouraging nature-positive practices beyond the organisation itself

Investment & Commitment (20%)

Demonstrating meaningful financial, strategic or operational commitment

Innovation (15%)

Developing new ideas, products, services or approaches that benefit nature

Wider Influence & Leadership (20%)

Inspiring change across sectors, industries or communities

Entry Questions

Tell us about your organisation and its commitment to nature recovery.
(300 words)
What practical actions have you taken to support nature?
(300 words)
How have you influenced colleagues, customers, suppliers or partners to take action for nature?
(300 words)
Have you invested in, developed or implemented any innovative approaches that benefit nature?
(250 words)
What impact has this work had and what are your future ambitions?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video links

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

DELIVERING MORE FOR NATURE AWARD

Celebrating projects creating, restoring and connecting habitats to give wildlife the space it needs to thrive.

Read the award details and entry requirements

More habitat. More wildlife. More hope.

What is this award?

Inspired by the Lawton Principles of creating more, bigger, better and joined-up habitats, this award celebrates projects that are actively creating, connecting, restoring or enhancing places for wildlife.

We’re looking for action that delivers measurable outcomes for improving the ecological network that nature relies on to move about and thrive. Whether by creating wetlands next to rivers, extending woodlands, connecting species rich grasslands or improving wildlife corridors like our hedgerow network.

Who can enter?

Conservation organisations, charities, landowners, local authorities, businesses, community groups and partnerships.

Examples might include:

Woodland being connected with other woodlands or extended.
Rivers and floodplains connected
Hedgerow network restored and emboldened
Continuous pollinating grassland networks

What are the judges looking for?

Habitat Creation & Restoration (35%)

Creating, restoring or enhancing habitats at any scale

Ecological Outcomes (25%)

Evidence of positive outcomes for biodiversity and wildlife

Connectivity & Nature Networks (15%)

Supporting more joined-up habitats and ecological corridors

Wider Environmental Benefits (10%)

Delivering benefits such as improved water quality, carbon storage or climate resilience

Long-Term Management & Sustainability (15%)

Demonstrating how habitats will be maintained and protected into the future

Entry Questions

Tell us about the project and the challenge or opportunity it set out to address.
(300 words)
What habitats have been created, restored or enhanced?
(300 words)
What evidence do you have of positive outcomes for nature and biodiversity?
(300 words)
How does the project contribute to habitat connectivity or wider nature recovery networks.
(250 words)
How will the project be managed and sustained in the future.
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video links

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

SPECIES RECOVERY AWARD

Recognising efforts to protect, restore and recover Cheshire’s rare and forgotten species.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Helping wildlife return. One species at a time.

Nature loves a comeback story.

What is this award?

This award recognises projects focused on helping species recover and thrive.

From birds and butterflies to mammals, insects and plants, we’re looking for evidence-based conservation work that is helping threatened species recover, increasing populations and returning wildlife to places where they once thrived.

Who can enter?

Conservation organisations, wildlife groups, landowners, researchers, community groups and partnerships.

Examples might include:

Pollinator recovery projects
Bird conservation action
Mammal initiatives
Amphibian and reptile conservation
Rare plant recovery initiatives

What are the judges looking for?

Species Impact (30%)

Clear evidence of supporting the recovery of one or more species

Scientific Approach (20%)

Use of evidence-based methods, monitoring or research

Habitat Support (20%)

Addressing the habitat needs required for species recovery

Collaboration (15%)

Working effectively with partners, experts or communities

Long-Term Sustainability (15%)

Demonstrating lasting benefits and future recovery potential

Entry Questions

Tell us about the species or group of species your project supports.
(300 words)
What actions have been taken to help these species recover?
(300 words)
What evidence do you have that the project is making a difference?
(300 words)
How have habitat improvements, partnerships or research contributed to success?
(250 words)
What are the long-term prospects for the species and how will recovery continue?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video links

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH NATURE AWARD

Celebrating projects helping more people access, experience and build lasting connections with nature.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Nature is for everyone.

What is this award?

This award celebrates projects and organisations that help people access, experience and build meaningful connections with nature.

Cheshire and Warrington is classified as a pre-dominantly rural landscape and even in our towns and cities, we are lucky that the Victorians gifted us some great parks and green spaces. Despite all of this, there are still places with poor access to green and wild spaces. We’re looking for initiatives that remove barriers, improve access, support wellbeing and inspire people from all backgrounds to build a lasting relationship with nature.

Who can enter?

Community organisations, charities, educational institutions, health organisations, local authorities and businesses.

Examples might include:

Nature and wellbeing programmes
Outdoor learning initiatives
Accessible green space projects
Volunteer programmes
Community engagement activities

What are the judges looking for?

Accessibility (25%)

Improving access to nature and reducing barriers to participation

Quality of Engagement (25%)

Creating meaningful experiences and lasting connections with nature

Inclusivity (15%)

Reaching diverse and underrepresented audiences

Wellbeing Impact (15%)

Supporting physical, mental or social wellbeing

Building Lasting Connections (20%)

Encouraging ongoing engagement with nature beyond the project itself

Entry Questions

Tell us about your project, programme or organisation.
(300 words)
How are you helping people access, experience or connect with nature?
(300 words)
Which audiences or communities do you work with and how do you remove barriers to participation?
(300 words)
What impact has your work had on people, communities or wellbeing?
(300 words)
How are you creating lasting connections between people and nature, including caring for nature?
(250 words)

Supporting Evidence

Optional but recommended:

Photographs
Maps or plans
Monitoring data
Testimonials
Press coverage
Reports or research
Video links

ENTER or NOMINATE HERE

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO NATURE AWARD

Recognising individuals whose dedication has made a lasting contribution to nature recovery across Cheshire and Warrington.

Read the award details and entry requirements

Cheshire’s Nature Champion!

What is this award?

This award recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to nature recovery over many years.

Across Cheshire and Warrington, individuals have dedicated years, and in some cases decades, to helping nature recover and inspiring others to act. Whether through conservation, education, research, volunteering, leadership, advocacy or policy influence, this award celebrates individuals whose dedication has created impact for nature.

Who can enter?

Individuals may be nominated by others or self-nominated where appropriate.

Examples might include:

Long-term environmental leadership
Environmental education and engagement
Species or habitat creation, enhancement or recovery work
Policy and advocacy contributions
Lifetime commitment to protecting Cheshire and Warrington’s wildlife

What are the judges looking for?

Long-Term Impact and Legacy (40%)

Sustained contribution to nature recovery over many years

Creating lasting change that will benefit nature into the future

Strategic Influence (20%)

Influencing policy, strategy, organisations or systems

Scale of Impact (20%)

Delivering significant impact across Cheshire and Warrington and beyond

Leadership (15%)

Inspiring, supporting and motivating others to take action

Entry Questions

Please tell us about yourself or the individual being nominated.
(250 words)
What contribution have they made to nature recovery throughout their career or lifetime?
(400 words)
What impact has their work had on nature, organisations, communities or policy?
(400 words)
How have they inspired, supported or influenced others?
(300 words)
Why do you believe they deserve recognition as Cheshire’s Nature Champion?
(300 words)