Living Countryside Awards 2025

Inspiring Groups

Winner: Friends of Matlock Forest

This dedicated group formed following a planning application to build a large holiday park in Farley Wood. The proposal threatened over 1,000 trees, vital wildlife, and public access. In just nine months, the group rallied over 3,000 petition signatures, and hold community events such as walks and bird spotting, and developed a wildlife sightings app. The group have very excitingly uncovered a standing stone which may be part of a larger bronze age settlement. Their inclusive, grassroots campaign brought community together to protect and celebrate their local green space.

To learn more about Friends of Matlock Forest please visit their website: https://savematlockforest.org/

Runner-up: Friends of Whitfield Recreation and Green Spaces

This small and passionate group is making a big impact on green spaces across Whitfield. They’ve enhanced the recreation ground with installing benches, hedging, and sensory planting, created pollinator trails, and revitalised the local tradition of well dressing! Working with schools, they’ve planted trees and herbs, installed bird boxes, and hosted lantern parades. In partnership with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, they manage local habitats, tackle invasive species, and lead monthly litter picks. Their community-led events and environmental projects are transforming local spaces for nature, heritage, and wellbeing.

Visit their Facebook page to learn more about their work: https://www.facebook.com/Whitfieldfriends

Trail Blazer

Winner: Katie Gallagher

Katie is a dedicated member of the Wild Maple Wood. During the 2020 lockdown, inspired by nature thriving on roadside verges, she began rallying the community to support biodiversity. Her efforts led to verge wilding projects, awareness campaigns, local talks, and a dedicated committee. Katie successfully crowdfunded the purchase of a field now being transformed into a wildlife haven, Wild Maple Field, which is now a valued community asset. Through tireless campaigning and community events, she has inspired the community support nature from setting up bee hotels and initiating bird surveys.

Learn more about Wild Maple Wood here: https://www.wildmaplefield.co.uk

Runner-up: Sally Wood

Sally left her NHS role to found Handley Care Farm, inspired by the benefits nature brought to her daughter. Now full-time on the farm, she leads with compassion and dedication, supporting children and young adults through hands-on outdoor learning. From tending to goats and no-dig gardening to bee talks and a “food to fork” initiative, Sally has created nurturing space for confidence and skills to grow. Sally set up an outdoor classroom and collaborates with schools and local businesses to support children to be more involved in their environment. Handley Care Farm submitted a nomination for Sally to show appreciation and thanks for her hard work and vision.

To learn more about Hadley Care Farm here: https://handleyfarm.org.uk/handley-care/

Made in Derbyshire

Winner: 3Trees Glamping

3Trees Glamping, launched in February 2024, offers sustainable, nature-focused holidays in handcrafted 5-star pods—two built onsite. Passionate about the environment, the owners have planted trees since 2018 to boost biodiversity and now power the site entirely with solar energy, achieving Net Zero! Eco-friendly features include infrared heating, natural materials, refillable products, and an eco-sewage system. They recycle thoroughly, support local employment, and encourage guests to explore and shop locally. Each of their pods are purpose built, and with strong green credentials 3Trees Glamping provides a sustainable escape into nature and lives the values of CPRE.

Learn more about this fantastic business here: https://3treesglamping.co.uk/about/

Runner-up: 3^rd Rock Clothing

Based in Belper, Derbyshire, 3RD ROCK designs sustainable clothing for climbers and outdoor adventurers. Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do—from using organic cotton and recycled materials to ethical production methods that reduce environmental impact. Their partnership with Ocean.co has funded four plastic collection sites in India and Kenya, preventing around 200,000 plastic bottles from entering our oceans. More than just activewear, 3RD ROCK is committed to creating a cleaner, greener future—where performance, style, and sustainability go hand in hand.

Learn more about them here: https://www.3rdrockclothing.com/

Derbyshire Captured

Winner: Barbara Thompson who’s stunning picture of Stanage Edge at sunset captures to beauty and magic of Derbyshire.

Runner-up: Walter Lovell took this brilliant shot of the sheep at Jacob’s Ladder on the first snow of the year.