There were celebrations all round today following Northumberland National Park’s nomination as National Park of The Year in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015/16.
Northumberland National Park has been nominated for the prestigious National Park of the Year Award by BBC presenter Ellie Harrison after BBC Countryfile Magazine asked experts to draw up a shortlist of nominees for each Award category.
Glen Sanderson, Chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “We are hugely delighted to be nominated for the National Park of the Year Award. I am sure that this national recognition will really help put Northumberland National Park even more on the map and attract lots more visitors, allowing them to enjoy our stunning destination. Being nominated is largely down to the fantastic dedicated staff that we have working within the National Park Authority, of whom I am very proud.
“The choice we have on offer in our National Park is unique. You can go from walking in the footsteps of the Romans, to stepping further back in time at Iron Age Hillforts, and from taking in the panoramic views into Scotland from the Border Ridge to sampling the local produce and crafts of the Park’s many skilled artisans. Whatever you’re looking for – whether flora, fauna, countryside activities, history, culture including the distinctive Northumbrian music and dialect or simply just somewhere to escape from it all – we have it in abundance.”
The BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2015-16, now in their fifth year, are a celebration of Britain’s countryside and its people from great heritage attractions and favourite holiday destinations, to the best nature reserves and the finest rural pubs. The 2015-16 Awards launch in the January 2016 issue of BBC Countryfile Magazine, on sale 18 December 2015, and feature 11 categories.
Fergus Collins, editor of BBC Countryfile Magazine, commented: “With increasing pressures on the countryside and wider natural environment, it’s even more vital to shout about what makes rural Britain so special. Our annual awards help champion our landscapes, our wildlife and our country heroes. This year’s nominees represent the best of rural Britain and are exceptional examples of what the UK’s countryside has to offer.”
Help ensure Northumberland National Park wins the National Park of the Year Award by voting online via the BBC Countryfile Magazine website: http://www.countryfile.com/awards2015-16
Voting closes on 31 January. The winners will be announced in an online ceremony in March and will appear in the May issue of the magazine (on sale 8 April). Postal votes are also accepted: Write to: BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards, BBC Countryfile Magazine, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN