This innovative and exciting regional competition was started in 1996 by Brigadier John Hemsley with the Royal Bath & West of England Society and has now become firmly established, capitalising upon its success in encouraging many youngsters to become interested in environmental and conservation matters.
The aim of the Environmental Youth Award is to promote a greater awareness and understanding of conservation and environmental matters by encouraging and recognising the contribution made by young people.
This recognition is promoted via an award made to a group of young people who have made a significant contribution to conservation and/or environmental management and applies equally to either an urban or rural environment.
The award scheme is open to formal as well as ad hoc youth groups from the four counties of Somerset, Dorset, Bristol and Wiltshire.
One nomination each year is selected from each of the counties covered by the Society. Bearing in mind the main objective of fostering and encouraging interest in environmental matters, the selections are made on the basis of rewarding originality and effort, irrespective of age, provided this is within an overall quality project.
The four county nominations are assessed by a panel of judges who decide upon a Regional winner. Each of the four county nominations receives a souvenir award and certificate. A special trophy is given to the overall winner which is not announced until the day of the presentation; all the awards being presented each year at the Royal Bath & West Show.
The 2023 winners Ashlands First School with David Domoney and Les Davies MBE, Chairman of the Environmental Youth Awards.
