National Park Protector Awards ceremony 2023

National Park Protector Awards

The annual National Park Protector Awards has run since 2011, and although the Awards have changed and grown over the years, they have always been a vital opportunity to recognise and reward the hard work of people who are at the heart of our Parks.

National Park Protector Awards

National Park Protectors are individuals and groups who go above and beyond in and for National Parks. From large-scale projects that help nature recover to grass-roots groups improving community access to National Parks and volunteers helping people to visit responsibly. Tens of thousands of National Park Protectors work day-in, day-out on this never-ending task.

The annual National Park Protector Awards has run since 2011, and although the Awards have changed and grown over the years, they have always been a vital opportunity to recognise and reward the hard work of people who are at the heart of our Parks.

Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for sponsoring our 2026 National Park Protector Awards.

Nominations now open!

Nominate a National Park Protector for one of our four awards.

Nominations close 12 July.

Nomination form

On this page

The Awards
FAQs
Previous Winners
Nomination Form

The awards

Marsh National Park Nature Award

Marsh National Park Nature Award

Marsh National Park Nature Award

Marsh National Park Nature Award

This award recognises the contribution of a group, project or campaign that has put nature at the heart of their work. Creating and elevating landscapes that capture the wild spirit of National Parks, keeping them safe for the future.

Living Landscapes Award

Living Landscapes Award

This award honours the people whose stewardship helps our landscapes and communities thrive. It celebrates farmers and land managers who work to produce sustainable food, restore habitats, improve public access, protect cultural heritage, and champion nature‑friendly farming at a landscape scale. 

New Perspectives Award

New Perspectives Award

New Perspectives Award

New Perspectives Award

This award celebrates the people, projects or initiatives that champion National Parks where every person feels welcomed, represented and involved. Their work challenges inequity, amplifies under‑represented voices and removes barriers to access.

Young Changemaker of the Year Award

Young Changemaker of the Year Award

Young Changemaker of the Year Award

Young Changemaker of the Year Award

This award commends devoted volunteers, campaigners and professionals under 35 who have gone above and beyond for National Parks. Their passion is unmatched and their dedication to a future where National Parks and Landscapes can thrive is an inspiration.

FAQs

Nominations are open from 15 June to 12 July 2026.
Yes, if you’re unsure about which award is the best fit for the individual/group you can nominate them for more than one award. When the nominees are shortlisted we can pick which award is most suitable.
Yes!
Yes, if you’ve been nominated but not won an award previously you can be nominated again.
The winners of each award will be announced on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at our awards ceremony in Westminster. Shortlisted nominees will be announced on 24 July 2026 and will receive their invitation to the awards in London.
There will be one winner for each award, they will receive £1,000 to support their work, a trophy and a certificate. There is also one runner up for each award, they will receive £250 to support their work and a certificate.

Latest news

Thanks to the national lottery heritage fund

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.