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Environmental Achievement Rewarded



Environmental Achievement Rewarded

May 16, 2016

On Wednesday 10 May the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) joined other organisations at the Winter Gardens in Eastbourne for the SPARK awards. The awards celebrate the achievements of those working to improve the lives of young people across East Sussex. SDNPA was there with the High Weald AONB Partnership as co-sponsors, presenting the Awards for Environmental Achievement. SPARK is a network for organisations working to support, train and connect young people and children and celebrate the work they are doing. They have over 200 member groups of all sizes covering a wide range of areas including arts, sport, counselling and advice and the environment

The Awards for Environmental Achievement recognise projects or organisations that have made a positive impact on the environment, or have helped others develop respect, better knowledge and understanding of the environment – those that have gone the extra mile with enthusiasm and creativity.

Ian Hartle, SDNPA’s Volunteer Development Officer, attended the evening and presented the Senior Award to this year’s worthy winner The Woodland Project – a joint venture between Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Circle of Life Rediscovery CIC. Jason Lavender, High Weald AONB Partnership’s Co-Director, presented the Junior Award to another fantastic project, the Ashdown Forest Education Programme, run by The Conservators of Ashdown Forest.

The Woodland Project supports East Sussex children with moderate-to-severe learning disabilities and their families, giving them the opportunity to spend time together outdoors. In a safe environment they can enjoy activities, relax and experience things as a family – something which they often find difficult to do. A parent who visits the Woodland Project with his son, said: “… It’s wonderful to be outside, with nobody judging you and your child. I don’t really get the chance to talk with other parents who have a child with learning disabilities, and you can feel quite alone, but here we can share our experiences and relax.”

The winners in the Junior Category were The Conservators of Ashdown Forest for their Ashdown Forest Education programme. They arrange opportunities for KS1 and KS2 students to explore the stunning mosaic of habitats within the forest though fun, hands-on activities linking to the curriculum.

Congratulations and a big thank you for The Woodland Project and the Conservators of Ashdown Forest for all they do and also to the runners up The FLAG Boat Restoration Project and Mallydams Wood RSPCA’s Hastings Wild Things Project.