A new award scheme dedicated to recognising the excellence of those protecting, restoring, and enhancing the West Midlands’ natural environment is now open for nominations.

Set up by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the Natural Environment Awards will showcase the region’s good practice on this important issue and recognise organisations who are caring for local green spaces.

Community groups, businesses, local authorities, and educational institutions are all eligible to be nominated for their good work throughout the year. Judges will be looking for proven commitment and enthusiasm for preserving and creating green spaces in the West Midlands and how it helps the region reach the goal of achieving net zero by 2041.

It is hoped that the awards will also inspire new projects and increase awareness about the importance of preserving the natural environment.

The launch of the award comes at an important time as countries from across the globe meet in Sharm El-Sheikh for COP27 where the crucial role biodiversity plays in addressing climate change will be addressed.

Nominations are open until January 2023 and the winners will be announced at in-person awards ceremony by Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, in March.

The Mayor said: “I'm pleased to help launch this year’s Natural Environment Awards where we celebrate the fantastic efforts of organisations from across our region to protect, restore and enhance the wonderful waterways and green spaces we are blessed with here in the West Midlands.

I wish those applying the very best of luck and look forward to congratulating the winners next year.”

Cllr Ian Courts, WMCA portfolio lead for energy and environment and leader of Solihull Council, said: “We’re fortunate in the West Midlands for the incredible breadth of environmental and conservation work that takes place. We all have a duty to look after where we live and protect our vital green spaces.

“Through these awards, the efforts of passionate community groups, businesses, local authorities and educational institutions will receive the recognition they rightly deserve. Please do apply if you’ve been involved with a project that meets the criteria as your story will help to inspire others.”

Applications for the awards will only be open for organisations who are within the seven constituent authorities of the WMCA To apply and find out more information, please visit the WMCA website.