Earthmovers winners 2012

24 September 2012

The annual awards celebrate the hard work and creativity of Friends of the Earth local groups and members. The winners were chosen by local group members and supporters at our annual conference in London.  

The awards ceremony also featured the winners of the Earth Words poetry competition. The winning poems were chosen by Clive, Jon and award-winning poet Gillian Clarke.

Catch up

This year we streamed the awards online - both the showcase session and the awards ceremony. 

This year's winners are:

See Things Differently 

Save The Hangings - Harwich Peninsula Friends of the Earth

The group ran a campaign to stop the council selling off an important local wildlife corridor. As a result funds from the sale will be ring-fenced to be used solely in The Hangings area. The campaign also attracted new members to the group and raised its profile.

Now we're going to clean up The Hangings with a litter pick and planting. The next stage of the campaign is to use the money that's there to improve the area.

Paul Preece, Harwich Pensinsula Friends of the Earth

Group of the Year 

Guildford and Waverley Friends of the Earth

The group ran a range of campaigns to promote renewable energy, including the successful Wey Valley Solar Schools project. The group also improved its media and communications skills and has raised its profile significantly.

We have to thank John, who has inspired people in the local area to campaign for change, and Patrick for transforming our media campaigns.

Kathy Smyth, Guildford and Waverley Friends of the Earth

Photo of the Year

Waltham Forest Friends of the Earth

The group scooped the award for a shot showing them in action at a community wildflower planting event. Group member Tom dressed as a bee with his son Oliver to hand out packets of seeds.

The group has linked with local gardening groups who are doing wonders to brighten up the borough. We're hoping to create even more bee-friendly spaces in the area over the next year.

Tom Wright, Waltham Forest Friends of the Earth

Friend of the Earth

Rachel Gibbons - Youth and Education Network

Rachel has been a backbone of the Youth and Education Network for the past few years. She has committed countless hours as volunteer coordinator of the network, developing resources and running training days. Rachel is also a key member of Penistone Friends of the Earth.

It's really important for us to work with young people. Right now we're using surveys to help us understand how we can improve the way we talk to young people.

Rachel Gibbons, Youth and Education Network

Earth Words

The poetry competition - hosted by Rutland Friends of the Earth - received more than 370 entries from around the country.

Emily Hinshelwood, who won first prize, recited two poems. All the entries have been compiled into a book. Contact Gabrielle to buy a copy.