THERE are now only a week to get entries in for the Hampshire Countryside Awards 2019.

The Awards, led by the countryside charity CPRE Hampshire, are a celebration of the amazing work being done to support the Hampshire countryside.

The scheme is open to groups, organisations or individuals working with rural communities to support a thriving, sustainable and innovative countryside.

This could be through a business, community group, activity or project which is connected to rural Hampshire or its’ communities.

Awards categories include Rural Enterprise, Community and Voluntary, Young People and Making Places.

As well as being in with a chance of winning one of the prestigious categories, all shortlisted entrants are nominated for the Hampshire’s Choice Award, voted for by the public. The lucky winner will receive prize money of £500.

Previous winners have included Oasis Down to Earth Farm, Hillier’s Haven, Beechcroft Farm and The Petersfield Society Tree Project.

CPRE Hampshire chairman Dee Haas is excited to be involved with the judging: “The entries we receive each year are a real testament to the wonderful and diverse projects currently taking place to support and develop the Hampshire countryside. It is always such a privilege to visit some of our shortlisted entries to get a better understanding of the outstanding work that is happening in Hampshire. Taking part in these awards, now in their 13th year, is a great way to showcase your work to a wider audience, meet and network with other groups and organisations and really celebrate some of the work being done to support a thriving countryside. We are so grateful to our sponsors Southern Co-op, Hastoe Group, Forest Holidays and our friends at Hampshire Fare for supporting us.”

Entries close on June 7.

Full details of the entry criteria and application form can be found at www.cprehampshire.org.uk.