IT IS time to recognise the achievements of Hampshire’s environment heroes.

The Hampshire branch of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has launched its 2014 Countryside Awards in Southampton.

It is calling for entries into a variety of categories for environmentally friendly buildings, businesses and projects.

The launch took place at the Round About Cafe in Mansbridge, Southamp-ton, hosted by chairman Dee Haas.

She said: “This is exactly the kind of rural enterprise we hope to discover, through the awards scheme. The cafe acts as a community hub, which trains volunteers and aims to establish a financially-sustainable business model.

“It provides healthy meals, freshly made on the premises. They are also developing a local food trail to support local businesses and to reduce their carbon footprint.”

This year’s principal sponsors are Steve’s Leaves, a Hampshire-based farm that grows a range of baby leaves through “nature-friendly” farming where ten per cent of the land is dedicated habitat for wildlife.

New this year is the Green Buildings category, sponsored by housing association Radian.

Dutton Gregory Solicitors is the new sponsor for the Rural Enterprise award for the best private and public sector activities benefitting the environment while Southern Cooperative continues to support the Community and Voluntary award.

The fourth award category is for environmentally conscious youngsters from schools, clubs and colleges.

To find out more about the categories or to enter, log on to cprehampshire. org.uk, or ring 01962 841897.