Jason Alexander has been named the winner of the David Wood National Landscape Award in the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for 2022-23.
The 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.
A record number of nominations were made by members of the public and the winner was Jason Alexander (pictured), founder of Rubbish Walks.
Jason was nominated for his outstanding achievements in tackling litter, recycling, and waste in the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Plastic and waste are extremely harmful to wildlife and nature, as well as impacting upon the natural beauty of the area.
Over the past 12 months Jason has been involved with more than 300 litter picks and beach cleans, filling 900 bags along with his fellow Rubbish Walk volunteers. In addition to his work, Jason’s passion has inspired many others across Suffolk to join him, and he has led groups in several locations in the Coast & Heaths.
Nick Collinson, Chairman of the Coast & Heaths AONB Partnership said:
“Jason has inspired countless people to appreciate the beauty and wildlife of Suffolk through his outstanding work and has raised awareness of the importance of removing litter and plastic from our precious AONB landscapes.
The judging panel felt Jason’s achievements made him a thoroughly deserving recipient of the David Wood National Landscape Award and recognises the immensely positive impact he has had upon the AONB.”
Upon receiving the award, Jason Alexander stated:
“I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award. The Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been instrumental in igniting my passion for the environment.
From immersing myself in stunning coastal walks at sunrise to exploring the countless magical riverside and woodland paths that meander their way across the region you cannot help but fall in love with the Suffolk countryside. It fuels my determination and inspires me with every step.
I’m proud to be part of a growing community that understands and appreciates the importance of the beauty on our doorstep and cannot thank the AONB team enough for their amazing support.”
The award is named after David Wood, the former long-time Chairman of the Coast and Heaths AONB Joint Advisory Committee and Partnership, a lifelong advocate for these special landscapes, who presented the award to Jason at Pin Mill.
Find out more information about the David Wood National Landscape Award at www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/awards. Learn more about Rubbish Walks at https://rubbishwalks.co.uk.