Bird Aware Solent, which brings together our Trust with local authorities and environmental groups, was formed to address the issue of bird disturbance on our coastlines. It engages the public through a team of passionate Rangers and digital awareness-raising campaigns.
The partnership has now received a prestigious award from the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA). In a virtual ceremony, it was awarded 'best sustainability campaign in the public sector' for its work to reduce disturbance to protected ducks, geese, and wading birds. It was also deemed integral to growing best practice in tackling this issue across the UK.
Receiving the award represents a massive boost for the Bird Aware Solent team and the work they do. It is also a fitting tribute to the strength of the partnership, the close working and support of which allows the achievement of such great results.
Sarah Mukherjee, CEO of IEMA, said: "Bird Aware Solent demonstrated a clear commitment to positive social engagement, communication, and training campaigns with a diverse group of stakeholders. They won their category for effective planning and a strategic vision in protecting local nature reserves, while also engaging with policymakers, local government, and housing developments.
All the winners can be proud of their achievements - action to tackle the climate and environmental crises we face requires business and industry, civil society and our politicians to step up and lead the transformation and change needed."
Councillor Sean Woodward, Chairman of the Partnership for South Hampshire (the body that oversees Bird Aware Solent), added: "I am so pleased that this worthy Partnership has been recognised for such an award. Bird Aware Solent provides some extremely important work that helps people to understand how recreational disturbance can affect the birds and their future. Our special area is in good hands."