The Countryfile Magazine Awards 2011 are a celebration of our countryside and its people. The awards were launched in the April issue of Countryfile Magazine and feature 10 categories, from conservation projects and food heroes to country writers and our finest nature reserves.
In each of the ten categories, a panel of experts drew up a shortlist of candidates. The awards were then voted for by readers of the magazine and members of the public via post, email and on the Countryfile Magazine website, www.countryfile.com.
Fergus Collins, Editor of Countryfile Magazine, commented: “We launched the awards as a way to celebrate the countryside and thank the often unsung heroes who work hard to make it accessible, keep it beautiful and conserve its heritage and wildlife. And from the tremendous numbers of votes cast in each category, it’s clear our readers agree.”
Countryfile Magazine Awards 2011 winners:
Favourite National Park
WINNER – The Lake District
2nd – The Peak District
3rd – Northumberland
Countryfile Magazine Food hero 2010
WINNER – Caroline and Jon Watson, Sheep farmers, Cumbria
2nd – James Arkell, Brewer, Gloucestershire
3rd – Tim Jesty, Watercress grower, Hampshire
Britain’s greatest walking trail
WINNER – Hadrian’s Wall Path
2nd – West Highland Way
3rd – Wye Valley Walk
Britain’s best country house
WINNER – Chatsworth
2nd – Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
3rd – Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Britain’s best market town
WINNER – Alnwick, Northumberland
2nd – Richmond, North Yorkshire
3rd – Stow on the Wold, Oxfordshire
Britain’s finest nature reserve
WINNER – Slimbridge WWT
2nd – Lundy Island, National Trust
3rd – Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk
Country writer of the year
WINNER – Candida Lycett Green – Unwrecked England
2nd – Richard Mabey – Weeds
3rd – Francis Pryor – The Making of the British Landscape
Favourite outdoor brand
WINNER – Páramo
2nd – Regatta
3rd – Berghaus
Britain’s finest garden
WINNER – Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall
2nd – Belsay, Northumberland
3rd – Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Conservation project of the year
WINNER – Red squirrels, Northern England
2nd – Winnall Moors Restoration
Joint 3rd – Middleton Lakes Nature Reserve and Great Bustard Project