We all like to receive the plaudits of our peers, but do Award ceremonies really matter?  In recent weeks the RSPB has been invited to a number - and it appears we are in the middle of the Awards season.  But what do they actually achieve?  Well, for two recent award ceremonies - it was great to hear about the worthy winners. The first was Chris Dowse, the Estate Manager of Sir Richard Sutton's Settled Estates in Lincolnshire. Chris won the Farmers Weekly Countryside Farmer of the Year Award.  He has long been a champion of farm wildlife conservation. Not only has he provided the mix of in-field and field edge habitats on the estate, but his work has gone beyond the estate boundary.  Through actively demonstrating what he has done, he has undoubtedly inspired many other farmers to step up for nature through his work with LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).  Over the years it has been great for us at the RSPB to have had such a great working relationship with Chris - a relationship where I think it is safe to say we have both benefited. As Chris retires from the estate shortly, I wish him well. He leaves in the knowledge he has achieved something we should all do - leave behind a place which is more wildlife-rich than that he inherited.

The second worthy winner came a few weeks later.  At the Mineral Products Association/Natural England Biodiversity Award, CEMEX - the global minerals company won first prize for their hugely impressive conservation work at Rugeley.  On the doorstep of Cannock Chase, the quarry had real potential - potential to create an impressive heathland for wildlife and the local community.  But as a long-suffering Arsenal fan, I know all too well that potential on its own isn't enough!   Well CEMEX rose to the challenge and with help have created somewhere really special.  With an area nearly the size of a 100 football pitches for wildlife, we are working with them and the local community to provide homes for reptiles, butterflies and, of course, birds.  And that’s just for starters. As the quarry moves through its phases, more and more heathland will be created. We have had fantastic support already from people who live and work close to the site in particular from the Friends of Cannock Chase and the Lichfield and District RSPB Local Group. There are some truly inspiring and passionate people, like Rob Winstanley, who have really Stepped Up For Nature by helping with the practical work on site as well as being passionate advocates for the wildlife.
 
A global company delivering locally.  But it goes beyond that.  Last year, we worked with CEMEX to develop and launch it's Biodiversity Strategy. Committing itself to delivering 1,000 hectares of priority habitat creation by 2020,  Rugeley shows what can be achieved when industry, a nature conservation charity and local communities get together. It bodes well for that future 1,000 hectares.  If they reach the standard of Rugeley, there will be many more fantastic sites for people and nature to enjoy.

So, do Awards matter?  I think they do. They reward good people doing good things.  But even more than that, they show the art of the possible. Whether you are the Secretary of State for Defra having committed the UK to play its part in halting the loss of global biodiversity by 2020, a company with the capability to shape the landscape, a farmer managing the countryside, or a member of the local communty who cares about nature, it shows what can be achieved.  Nature needs it's heroes, and awards like these help to recognise them.  I congratulate Chris and CEMEX for what they have achieved to date.  Nature just needs more people to step up and follow their example.