Living Countryside Awards

Inspiring Groups

Winner: Tideswell & District Environment Group

Since its formation in June 2019, the Tideswell & District Environment Group (TDEG) has been a beacon of community and environmental action. Their many initiatives include the Repair Cafe, Warmer Homes Campaign, public speaker events, and collaborations with local schools and community projects like the Community Orchard. With activities ranging from litter picks to decorating the “Cathedral of the Peak” for Christmas, TDEG embodies their motto “Time is of the Essence,” showing dedication to environmental improvement locally and globally.

Runner-up: Kirk Hallam Green Squeeze

Kirk Hallam Green Squeeze has been dedicated to preserving the green spaces and Green Belt around Kirk Hallam from development pressures. Their efforts have included informing the public about local plans and garnering significant community support, with over 3,000 objections lodged against proposed developments, including fighting against a 1,000-home development! Their dedicated volunteer team has been a key force in these efforts, engaging in media campaigns and preparing to give evidence at Planning Board level.

Trail Blazer

Winner: Terry Olney

Terry Olney, a dedicated member of the Save Alfreton Countryside group, has made significant contributions to preserving local green spaces in Alfreton. Living there all his life with his wife Cherry, Terry is deeply embedded in the community, frequently leading walks and sharing his love for Derbyshire’s landscapes. Not one for the limelight, Terry has been instrumental in grassroots movements, including delivering thousands of leaflets and leading fundraising efforts that successfully campaigned against a large industrial development project, showcasing his unwavering commitment to local conservation. The picture was taken behind St Martin’s Church in Alfreton, where Terry and Save Alfreton Countryside Campaigning work began.

Runner-up: Julie Atkins

Julie Atkins is a key member of the Wolds Action Group, also called Save Our Greenfields, and has been relentless in her efforts to protect a vital greenfield site in Matlock from an invasive housing development. Her determination unearthed crucial ecological and flood risk information that influenced the local council’s decision to reject the development plans. Julie’s passionate advocacy and presentations, including at the Derbyshire CPRE’s 2023 AGM, underscore her commitment to preserving valuable landscapes against the odds. Julie continues to work hard for the local countryside as part of the Wolds Action Group.

Made in Derbyshire

Winner: Amber Valley Wines,

Based in Alfreton, Amber Valley Wines combines award-winning wine and cider production with sustainable practices. Not only do they produce high quality wines and cider, they focus on regenerative viticulture to enhance soil quality and biodiversity on their estate. Committed to environmental stewardship, they aim for biodiversity net gains and are progressing toward net zero carbon status. Their efforts include powering operations with renewable energy and revitalizing native flora and fauna, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

Runner-up: Earthed Up! Ltd

Earthed Up! Ltd, an agroecological plant nursery based in Belper Lane End, focuses on land regeneration and permaculture. Since its inception in 2021, this not-for-profit workers’ cooperative has promoted ecological gardening and food resilience through the sale of perennial edible plants and the production of soil health products. They offer educational courses and host community events like the Midlands Permaculture Festival, furthering their mission of environmental stewardship and community engagement. They routinely have a stall at local events to sell their plants and soil, so look out for them at your next Fete or visit their garden!