Entrants sought for environment awards

This year's Lincolnshire Environment Awards are fast approaching '“ and the Rotary Club is looking for groups in our area to put themselves forward for an award.
Greetham Retreat, near Horncastle.Greetham Retreat, near Horncastle.
Greetham Retreat, near Horncastle.

The annual awards were started by the Lindum Rotary Club in 1993, with The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust joining as co-organisers several years ago.

The awards aim to improve and protect the environment in our county, raise awareness of environmental issues in general and encourage others by recognising success.

Previous winners have covered the whole spectrum of environmental issues and have varied in size, from small primary school projects to industrial activity and large-scale agricultural ventures.

The adult competition has three categories: farm/rural, community, and business, all of which are open to group or individual entries.

There is also the Young Environmentalist Award, which has an upper age limit of 13.

Greetham Retreat Holidays, near Horncastle, was a runner-up in the Business Award category last year.

The self-catering holiday cottage accommodation is on land that has been transformed from an unloved grass field into a mixed sanctuary for flora and wildlife, with ponds, wildflower meadows and mixed hedgerows.

The accommodation also has solar panels and exceeds modern building standards, with rainwater recycled and used for watering container plants and herbs.

However, the organisers have noted that there have rarely been winners from the Horncastle area, and they hope that 2016 will be the 
year that this all changes.

In the past, an average of around 12 adult entries and five junior entries have been received each year.

Finalists are selected by a judging panel and invited to attend the final judging and make a short presentation, followed by questions.

The final judging is led by Doctor David Bellamy, who is one of three patrons. The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and The Bishop of Lincoln are also patrons of the event, and usually attend the 
awards ceremony.

The final judging and awards dinner take place at Bentley Hotel in Lincoln on May 26. Entries are required by March 31, and full entry details are available at www.lincsenvironmental
awards.org.uk.

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