THE winners of the CPRE Hampshire Countryside Awards have been announced.

The winners and finalists of the 13th Annual Hampshire Countryside Awards were announced at a special ceremony attended by more than 100 guests at the Littleton Millennium Memorial Hall in Winchester on September 17.

A diverse selection of groups and projects from across the county, all of whom are working towards a flourishing countryside, were selected by the Countryside Awards judges following a set of visits held throughout July and August.

The finalists were invited to attend the ceremony in order to showcase their work and build links with other projects within Hampshire.

All 15 finalists were presented with a certificate by Nigel Atkinson Esq, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire who closed the ceremony with the presentation of commemorative plaques to the five winners.

Community and Voluntary - Sponsored by Southern Co-op: The Watercress Way

A 26-mile circular route developed to draw people into the countryside for recreation, and for wildlife and heritage conservation.

Young People – Sponsored by Forest Holidays: Sustainability Centre - Sustainable Landscapes

Working with young people aged 10-19 who struggle with traditional classroom learning, offering specialist outdoor conservation work.

Rural Enterprise – Supported by Hampshire Fare: Chalk Stream Foods

Promoting and producing sustainable food products and the importance of sustainable aquaculture practices and good husbandry.

Making Places – Sponsored by Hastoe Housing: Mayfield Community Partnership - Hawley Community Garden

Bringing together British and Nepali communities, Hawley Community Garden has transformed a set of derelict garages into a community garden, based on the organic principles of permaculture, producing fruit and vegetables that are shared amongst the members.

The Hampshire’s Choice Award gave the public the chance to vote for their favourite project out of the list of finalists.

Other special guests on the night included the Vice President of CPRE Hampshire, John Cooper CBE, Mayor Elect of Winchester, Cllr Eleanor Bell and Deputy Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Patrick Cunningham.