Community award to recognise wildlife initiatives

Chardstock Community Group were the inaugural recipients of a Wilder Communities Award

A conservation charity in Devon has launched an award to highlight how community groups are helping "nature" survive and thrive.

The Wilder Communities Award is run by Devon Wildlife Trust.

Applicants may include allotment holders, workplace employees, schools or care homes.

Successful applicants will not get a financial reward, the charity said, but will receive recognition, advice and guidance on how to unlock funding.

Katie Wilkinson, leading the scheme at the trust, said: "There is so much to be hopeful for when we see so many people dedicating their time to help nature’s recovery.

"Thinking globally and acting locally will help us build a sustainable future where nature and people can thrive’’.

Chardstock Community Group, in East Devon, was the first community group to win the award.

Project leader Gill Keam said they used the award as a "springboard" to "set challenges" for the coming months and years.

The charity said it was keen to hear from communities creating space for nature by, for example, providing more food, or protecting their local environment, like rivers and streams.

It is also looking for applicants who are helping communities connect with nature.

Each award will be made for 12 months but communities can look to renew so as to develop their wildlife plans "making them more ambitious and increasing their positive impact".