Nineteen groups, organisations, schools and individuals were honoured with winner, runner-up or highly commended awards across seven categories in what is now the event’s 13th year.
Representatives of all shortlisted entries were invited to attend the event at The Alnwick Garden, which was hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Anna Foster, along with deputy chairman and ceremonial head of Northumberland County Council, Catherine Seymour.
Cllr Seymour said: “It is heartening to see so many of us still keen to get involved in protecting the things we care about, our environment and glorious county being something dear to many hearts.
“Our council teams work extremely hard to ensure that Northumberland is clean, green and beautiful. The efforts of volunteers and local community groups and individuals however is invaluable, it is a huge team effort, and it’s been great to celebrate this through these awards.”
Cllr Colin Horncastle, cabinet member for looking after our environment, added: "All the shortlisted entries should be very proud of their work - there are some fantastic examples of communities working together across our beautiful county.”
5. Best Young People's Project
The Best Young People’s Project was awarded to KEVI Environment Council. Students from Years 10 and 11 at Morpeth’s King Edward’s VI School Council spent some time working with Keep Britain Tidy’s local Ambassador Dai Richards. They planned a poster competition engaging children from all of Morpeth’s schools to design posters that would encourage people to bin their litter instead of dropping it on the floor. Special recognition went to Dylan Sneddon. Photo: NCC
6. Best Coast and Countryside Project
Cramlington and District Red Squirrel Group was crowned Best Coast or Countryside Project. Their project, The Thin Red Line saw a rope bridge installed over the busy B1326. The road runs alongside a nature reserve, separating two areas of woodland. The group built two rope bridges so red squirrels were able to cross safely. When Storm Arwen wreaked havoc, the group worked hard to restore them. Their latest project is the Ben Nixon QR-coded nature trail around the reserve with rubbing plaques for younger visitors. Photo: NCC
7. Best Urban Project
This year the Best Urban Project was awarded to Friends of Valley Park in Cramlington. Volunteers have recently worked together to remove litter and blockages in the Valley Park stream, to allow it to flow freely. Earlier this year, the group assisted the Great Northumberland Forest project with the planting of over 400 saplings on site in addition to a new community orchard. Photo: NCC