We’re delighted to be one of seventeen outstanding organisations delivering innovative climate solutions that have reached the finals of the prestigious 2024 Ashden Awards.
Over 500 organisations applied for the 2024 Ashden Awards, and Wild Haweswater is one of just two finalists in the category of Nature Based Solutions (UK) celebrating inclusive, community-led transformation in the UK, after a rigorous assessment and selected by panels of expert judges including academics, investors, civil society leaders and journalists.
Award winners will be announced in June, during London Climate Action Week.
It means a huge amount to us to be a finalist in this prestigious award, in recognition of all our work here at Wild Haweswater – a partnership between the RSPB and the landowner United Utilities. From the re-wiggling of , to establishing . From re-wetting peat bogs, to planting tens of thousands of trees and creating the largest native in the Lake District. All to restore this beautiful landscape, improve drinking water, absorb carbon and increase resilience to flood, drought and fire in the fight against climate change. Our work here is also about people – creating job opportunities (increase from 4-18 staff in the last 3 years), volunteering contributions (we wouldn’t be without our hard working team of 30+ volunteers), events and experiences for the public, and knowledge sharing with those from across the agriculture, water and conservation sectors.
“We’re so excited to be announced as finalists in the Ashden Awards today is all about demonstrating how nature conservation and hill farming can work together, to deliver benefits to wildlife, water and people. Partnership working with other organisations and local communities is key to ensuring that nature-based solutions within a farmed landscape can be beneficial to both the economy and the ecology of this rugged part of the Lake District.
– Annabel Rushton, RSPB Visitor Experience Manager at Wild Haweswater
Massive thanks go to the judges for selecting us and supporting our work here.”
Ashden, a UK charity, has been spotlighting transformative climate solutions for more than 20 years through their prestigious Awards scheme.
“We’re thrilled with this year’s Ashden Awards finalists. They’re brimming with epic climate ambition – ambition to slash global emissions and transform our world. They’re also pioneers of climate justice, building a world that’s fairer and greener. It’s no surprise to find these two qualities together: when it comes to climate action, they go hand-in-hand.
“Change happens faster when more people believe in it, back it, and enjoy the benefits. We’re really proud to celebrate these organisations, and urge investors, funders and policymakers to support them too.”
– Dr Stephen Hall, Head of Awards
Discover more about the work of the RSPB and United Utilities at Wild Haweswater here: wildhaweswater.co.uk
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– Blog by Annabel Rushton, RSPB Visitor Experience Manager at Wild Haweswater
