The first winner of the National Landscape Award in the Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been announced.

The new David Wood National Landscape Award celebrates and recognises the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the conservation and enhancement or raising awareness of the natural beauty or special qualities of the National Landscapes in Suffolk and Essex.

The judging panel were very impressed by all the nominations and noted what a difficult decision it was to choose one nomination for the award due to the extremely high standard of applications. 

The winner of the David Wood National Landscape Award in the Coast and Heaths AONB, is Tim Holt-Wilson.

The judges were impressed by his outstanding work towards outdoor education as part of Art Branches project “Zoom: Geology is most definitely not boring! “.

Tim has engaged and passed on his enthusiasm to many children and adults, many of whom visited the coast for the first time to participate in Art Branches’ projects. Working alongside vulnerable communities, such as young carers and adults recovering from mental health issues, Tim imparted a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to many.

Councillor David Wood Chairman of the Coast and Heaths AONB Joint Advisory Committee and Partnership said: “Tim is passionate about geology, bringing this undervalued subject, which is one of the special qualities of the AONB, to life in a way that people can understand and enjoy”.

Award winners will receive a framed copy of a linocut print created by local artist, Jem Seeley, and produced by Drab Ltd featuring the AONB’s iconic species – the Redshank in the Coast and Heaths AONB

The award is named after David Wood; Chairman of the Coast and Heaths AONB Joint Advisory Committee and Partnership, a lifelong advocate for these special landscapes.

The awards aim to inspire others to get involved in the AONB to ensure the outstanding landscape, wildlife, heritage and culture is protected for all to enjoy for many generations to come.