Still time to win £1,000 for putting nature first 

The Bishop of Norwich First Nature Award gives £1,000 to a Norfolk project or organisation helping children and young people connect with the natural world.
 

The award is open to voluntary, charitable, religious, cultural or community groups, and schools, working in Norfolk.

It is run by the First Nature Campaign, which is dedicated to giving young people access to and understanding of the natural world to boost their physical and mental wellbeing and resilience and inspire them to care for the environment.

Nigel Boldero of First Nature said: “This is a great way to acknowledge the wonderful work that an increasing number of schools, community groups and other projects are doing to expand opportunities for children to connect with nature - not just to learn about it, but to appreciate its beauty, be inspired creatively and get a real lift.”

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, who is the Church of England’s lead bishop on the environment, said: “Everyone should have the chance to connect with God’s wonderful creation and I am delighted to support this award for a project helping the youngest citizens of Norfolk connect with some of its oldest treasures – our wildlife, woodland, wetlands, wide open spaces and places for nature to thrive.

“Giving children the chance to experience the joy and solace of creation, ultimately gives them the chance to love it, understand it, care for it and become a voice for it.”

Paston Footprints won the inaugural Bishop of Norwich First Nature Award last year for its family, wellbeing, heritage and creative trails featuring the historic Paston family. Volunteer-led Paston Footprints encourages people to find out more about the places linked to the Paston family – one of Norfolk’s most prominent families in medieval and Tudor times.

Judges are particularly keen to hear about projects that young people have helped plan and deliver. The judging panel will include representatives of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Norfolk Museums Service’s Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, the Broads Authority, the Bishop of Norwich and community youth groups including young people from Norfolk’s Youth Advisory Boards.

Entries must be in by the end of September, with the winner announced in November. To enter complete the online application form at firstnatureuk.wordpress.com/the-bishop-of-norwich-first-nature-award

Picture credit: Martin Vorel/httpscreativecommons.org/licensesby-sa4.0