Sussex countryside champions shortlisted for national awards

CPRE Centenary National Awards recognise inspiring people and projects – from innovative housing to young people leading change.

Inspiring people and projects in Sussex have been shortlisted for the CPRE Centenary National Awards. Across England, individuals, businesses and community groups are finding practical, inspiring ways to protect and enhance the countryside.

From innovative housing solutions and rooftop solar to community-led green spaces and champions for countryside access, the awards showcase positive change happening right now.

Connor Carruthers, 17, from West Sussex is shortlisted for Young Countryside Changemaker. Connor began making his first documentary, Minster Marshes, aged 15 after learning about plans for a National Grid converter station on the Kent marshes. He spent months filming its wildlife, composing music and narrating the film.

The film premiered at the Natural History Museum and is now used to bring rarely seen wildlife, including beavers, into public view.

Also shortlisted is the Arundel Gate Partners for a community-led housing scheme in the historic market town. The project delivers 90 new homes and biodiverse open spaces.

CPRE Sussex campaigns and communications manager Nancy Duckels said: ” The countryside challenges we face are big. But so are the ideas tackling them. The CPRE Centenary National Awards recognise inspiring the people and projects finding practical, locally-led solutions – from community housing to young people leading change.”

The shortlisted nominees will come together at the Centenary Awards celebration at the Houses of Parliament on 29 October when the overall winners will be announced.

View the full shortlist here.