Who is making Cheshire wilder? Search launched for county's nature champions

A new county-wide awards programme has been launched to celebrate the people, projects and organisations helping nature thrive across Cheshire and Warrington.

The inaugural Wilder Cheshire Awards, organised by the Cheshire & Warrington Local Nature Partnership, will recognise the individuals, schools, businesses, farmers and community groups making a positive difference for nature and inspiring others to take action.

Nature recovery is happening in every corner of Cheshire and Warrington. From school children building bug hotels and farmers restoring habitats, to businesses investing in biodiversity and volunteers transforming community green spaces, thousands of people are already playing their part in creating a Wilder Cheshire.

Following the launch of Cheshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy in 2025, the awards have been created to recognise the people and organisations turning the strategy's ambitions into action. Open to projects of all sizes, the awards celebrate everything from restoring habitats and protecting wildlife to adapting local urban environments to a changing climate and helping people to connect more with nature.

Entries are now open to individuals, schools, businesses, charities, community groups, landowners, farmers and organisations from across Cheshire and Warrington.

The ten award categories are:

• Young Wildlife Champion

• Wilder School

• Community Action for Nature

• Food, Farming & Resilience

• Landscape Stewardship

• Business for Nature

• Delivering More Places for Nature

• Species Recovery

• Connecting People with Nature

• Outstanding Contribution to Nature

Importantly, the Local Nature Partnership is keen to stress that entrants do not need to be delivering large-scale projects to be recognised. Judges will be looking for impact, innovation and commitment rather than the size or budget of a project.

Annette McDonald, Co-Chair of the Cheshire & Warrington Local Nature Partnership, said: "Nature recovery is happening in every corner of Cheshire and Warrington, often quietly and without recognition. These awards are about celebrating the incredible people, organisations and communities who are making a genuine difference and inspiring others to take action. We know there are thousands of fantastic stories out there and we can't wait to hear them."

Entries close on 13 September 2026, with winners announced at a celebration event later this autumn.

Individuals and organisations can enter themselves or nominate someone else whose work deserves recognition.

To enter or nominate, visit www.wildercheshireawards.co.uk