CPRE Somerset: Love Your Countryside Awards - Countryside Changemaker

About the Countryside Changemaker Award

We want to celebrate people who are making a real difference in the Somerset countryside. They can be individuals or groups.

Whether through hands-on action, community leadership, campaigning, or creative storytelling, we’re celebrating those who inspire change, raise awareness, and advocate for rural communities.

What we’re looking for:

• Initiative and Action – From organising a local litter pick to launching a campaign for affordable rural housing—these awards recognise those who see a problem and take action to solve it.
• Community Leadership – Those who bring people together, inspire others to get involved, and create a ripple effect of positive change.
• Campaigning and Advocacy – People who lead efforts to influence decision-makers – whether in government, local authorities, or other institutions – on issues that matter to rural communities.
• Raising Awareness – Champions who shine a light on the challenges facing the countryside, using their voice to inform, educate, and engage others.
• Storytelling and Place-Making – People who celebrate and protect special places through storytelling, creativity, or community engagement.
• Passion and Perseverance – People who stay true to their values, adapt to changing opportunities, and continue to lead with heart and purpose.
• Inspiring the Next Generation – Those who are inspiring future countryside champions – passing on knowledge, passion, and a sense of responsibility for the land and its communities.

We welcome nominations from people across the Somerset countryside that demonstrate some or all of these qualities.

Who can apply?

• Please read the category descriptions, criteria and eligibility information carefully. If you are not sure which category to enter please contact admin@cpresomerset.org.uk and we can help.
• An individual, organisation or group can enter themselves or be nominated by someone else. However, all individuals or organisations need to give permission to be nominated.
• Projects must be within the unitary authority area of Somerset (this does NOT include B&NES or North Somerset)
• The nomination must be relevant to work taken place in the last two years.
• Past projects are entitled to re-enter but entries must contain new elements on which they will be judged.
• You may enter into more than one category.

Why apply?

• Celebrate Your Impact on people, place, and planet
• Gain Recognition from peers, professionals, and the wider community
• Inspire Others with your approach to your treasured space
• Boost Your Profile and attract future opportunities
• Champion Rural Innovation and community empowerment

Winners will receive a plaque and will be invited to our CPRE Somerset: Love Your Countryside Awards event in summer 2026.  They will also gain automatic entry into the CPRE National Centenary Awards, giving your project the recognition it deserves on a larger stage.

On the award application form you will be asked to provide:

• Details about the person or group being nominated and your connection to them
• Contact details
• Information about your digital presence (if applicable) including social media profiles and website address
•  information about the work of the group or individual, including a 400 word brief description
• Supporting evidence, which may include additional documents, short films or videos
• Up to five supporting photos which will be used to promote the awards as well as your entered group or person
• Details about volunteer contributions including volunteer hours and numbers, if applicable.

Ready to enter?

Online entry form for the Countryside Changemaker award

• Complete the online entry form (opens in a new tab) and submit with supplementary information.
• Alternatively, download the CPRE Somerset Love Your Countryside Awards 2026 Entry Form  Details of where to email or post the award nomination are available on the form.
• The deadline for entries is 5pm on Thursday 30th April 2026.