Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has celebrated the winners and commended projects at the Wilder Awards 2025, shining a spotlight on schools, businesses, landowners, volunteers, and young leaders who are creating a wilder future.

Sixteen awards were presented during the Trust’s Wilder Conference, held at The Point Theatre, Eastleigh on Thursday 23 October, which brought together leading voices in conservation and community action. The ceremony was hosted by wildlife television presenter and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust President Megan McCubbin.

Wicor Primary School in Portchester, Fareham received the Wilder School award for embedding the importance of nature and environmental awareness across the curriculum. From gardening and recycling to selling produce through a student-run pop-up shop ‘The Thrug’, pupils are developing a practical and lasting connection to nature. Staff and children also take part in litter picking in the local area. 

Medstead C of E Primary School in Alton was highly commended for its Forest School activities which have been expanded to a year-round, curriculum driven, outdoor learning programme which includes use of an outdoor woodland classroom. Activities include planting over 200 trees and living hedges, plus building bird boxes and bug hotels. 

In the business category, Southern Co-op, Portsmouth was named winner for its long-standing commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and community engagement. During the past year, Southern Co-op donated £100,000 to support two Trust land purchases, safeguarding important habitats and helping wildlife to thrive across Hampshire. 

On the Isle of Wight, Southern Co-op is a key supporter of the Trust’s Wilder Isle of Wight Community Project, which helps local people learn new ways to connect with nature and take action for wildlife where they live. This ensures that more people can gain the skills, confidence, and support to create greener, healthier neighbourhoods. 

This generous support reflects Southern Co-op’s wider sustainability strategy, which focuses on taking climate action, protecting nature, and encouraging customers to ‘Live Better’. Their backing of the Trust’s work goes beyond funding: Southern Co-op has been a public advocate of the Trust’s goals for well over a decade, sharing stories and demonstrating how businesses can play a leading role in building a greener future.

The Food and Farming with Nature Award went to The Garlic Farm, a family-run business on the Isle of Wight that has championed sustainable agriculture and pioneered an innovative, nature-based water system.

The farm has created a wastewater purification system (WET system) that treats wastewater generated by its restaurant, farm shop, and holiday accommodation. Transforming a former field, they have developed a natural, soil-based series of shallow pools, each planted with a wide variety of wetland species including rushes, reeds, and plants. As the water moves through the pools, it is naturally filtered and purified before collecting in a reservoir of clean water. This water is then reused to irrigate garlic crops grown nearby, closing the loop between people, food production, and the natural environment. In doing so, the farm has not only created an innovative water system but also established a thriving wetland habitat.

Along the banks of each pool, the farm has planted willow, poplar, nut, and fruit trees, which thrive on the abundance of water and provide additional benefits such as coppiced willow for basketry and seasonal harvests of nuts and fruit. Within a few years, the system will be a beautiful thriving habitat attracting a diverse range of wildlife – already, frogs and toads are using the pools, dragonflies and damselflies are abundant, and a hobby has been seen feeding over the wetlands.

Through guided tours and on-site interpretation, The Garlic Farm shares its innovative WET system with visitors, inspiring others to adopt more sustainable approaches to farming and water management. By turning wastewater into a valuable resource – and educating people about how this can be done – they are revolutionising a system that benefits both people and wildlife.

The Garlic Farm has achieved B Corp certification, they support the Living Wage Foundation and work with partner farms and local suppliers, showing how a resilient, community-rooted business can bring joy to visitors and customers while driving positive environmental change.

Warren Farm, in Totland on the Isle of Wight, received a commendation for its innovative approach to sustainable farming and habitat restoration. 

Run by James Osman and Rebecca Hesketh, Warren Farm is a small livestock farm which is mainly situated around Alum Bay and Totland. The farm extends to around 300 acres, much of which is grassland which is grazed sensitively with cattle and sheep to help preserve the natural environment.

Warren Farm is a diversified livestock business ready to meet the challenges of island agriculture. After decades as a dairy farm, Warren Farm now combines a small ‘micro dairy’ herd of Jersey cows, a herd of Sussex beef cattle, in addition to Herdwick & Hebridean sheep producing milk and farmed products for direct sale while embracing natural farming practices. 

As tenants of the National Trust, they work closely to restore and improve habitats and biodiversity on the farm and adjoining land. Over the past few years, they have eliminated the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides and have been implementing new grazing techniques to help improve soils. The Trust is very proud to have Warren Farm as a conservation grazier on some of its most fragile nature reserves, including Ningwood Common Nature Reserve.

The Nature Restoration Project Award celebrated three exceptional initiatives that are helping wildlife and habitats recover across Hampshire and the South Downs. 

Ewhurst Park in Tadley, received the Nature Restoration Project Award for its community-led restoration, transforming a former shooting estate into a 925-acre mosaic of grassland, scrub, wetlands, chalk grassland, woodland, hedgerows, and wildlife corridors. In 2023, two beavers (the first in Hampshire for 400 years) were introduced and have since started a family, creating new habitats and supporting species including bats, birds, and insects. This year, otters have been recorded for the first time. The estate also hosts educational visits for local schools and community groups, alongside initiatives such as stone curlew plots, wild bee hives, and planned food forests and an organic vineyard.

The Nature Restoration Project Award was also presented to The Lower Anton Westfair Project in Andover, for their outstanding work in river restoration. This nationally important chalk stream restoration project is on a tributary of the River Test, and is delivering 7km of catchment-scale re-naturalisation. The project reconnects the river to its floodplain, restores natural processes, and creates habitats for wildlife such as salmon, brown trout, dragonflies, and damselflies. Public engagement and education are central to the project, with over 300 visitors in 2024 alone, including schoolchildren and international experts. 

The site is managed by the Piscatorial Society and delivered in partnership with Southern Water, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and Wessex Rivers Trust. The initiative provides a model for large-scale river restoration that strengthens ecological resilience and helps mitigate climate change impacts.

Biddenfield and South Holt owner Harvey Jones received the Nature Restoration Project Award for achievements in landscape recovery and rewilding, transforming these sites into rich landscapes which support a remarkable diversity of wildlife.

Biddenfield is a 180-hectare areanear Southampton consisting of woodland, pasture, and former arable land, and has been transformed to support a wide range of wildlife. The creation of extensive wetland habitats has boosted numbers of wetland birds, including gadwall and snipe, while low-level grazing has increased botanical diversity in former arable fields. Monitoring shows growing populations of species such as goshawk and nightingale, alongside colonisation by dragonflies and damselflies, reflecting the site’s rising biodiversity and bioabundance.

At South Holt, in the South Downs, around 350 hectares of former arable land has been restored to a diverse mix of grassland and woodland habitats. Woodlands now feature wild garlic and bluebells, while areas of felled conifer plantation have opened space for new species to colonise. The site is home to brown hare, dormice, and a variety of notable birds including hawfinch, firecrest, marsh tit, goshawk, hobby, barn owl, yellowhammer, tree pipit, and woodlark. The restoration has significantly improved habitat quality and continues to support increasing populations of both flora and fauna.

The Collective Action for Nature Award was awarded to River Meon Conservation Volunteers, in the Meon Valley. Established just last year, the group has made a significant impact on the Meon Valley’s chalk stream ecosystem through dedicated monitoring, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. The group surveys water voles, brown trout, invertebrates, and invasive species such as Himalayan balsam and monkey flower, while improving river flow and habitat quality. Volunteers engage with local schools, community events, and with partner organisations demonstrating how small, coordinated actions can deliver tangible benefits for wildlife. Their commitment and passion have rapidly made them a driving force for biodiversity along the River Meon.

Friends of Portswood Recreation Ground, Southampton were commended for transforming their local urban park into a haven for wildlife. Work includes creating a wildflower meadow, planting native hedges and trees, installing bat and bird boxes, building bug hotels, and managing habitats for hedgehogs, stag beetles, and other species. They have also engaged the local community through educational displays, children’s events, and monthly Nature Notes, encouraging residents to appreciate and protect urban wildlife. The group were awarded a DEFRA BeesNeeds certificate for three years in a row, and the park has a Green Flag award, demonstrating how small-scale local initiatives can make a big difference for nature.

Adrian Smith from Bishop’s Waltham received the Individual Action for Nature Award. Adrian has devoted years to reviving the town’s swift population. Working almost single-handedly, Adrian has built and installed hundreds of swift boxes, raised funds to support the project, and monitored hundreds of young swifts with the assistance of the local ringing group through ringing and recording (which is important data for the British Trust for Ornithology). His tireless efforts, passion, and deep knowledge have inspired the local community to get involved, creating a network of swift enthusiasts and dramatically increasing awareness of the species. Adrian’s dedication has made him a local hero, with his work recognised for its lasting impact on wildlife.

The Young Changemaker Award went to ten-year-old Emily from Kings Worthy who impressed judges with her outstanding eco-leadership at her school, Kings Worthy Primary. An active member of her school’s Eco Council, Emily has introduced recycling systems for soft plastics, organised litter picks, and led initiatives to improve the school grounds for wildlife. Beyond school, she raises awareness of environmental issues and funds for Surfers Against Sewage, showing dedication both locally and nationally. Emily’s enthusiasm and proactive approach have inspired her peers, making her a role model for young environmental leaders.

Siblings Ben and Nye, aged 9 and 6, from Brockenhurst received recognition for their role as Young River Guardians of the New Forest. Concerned about pollution in the Beaulieu and Lymington rivers, they have been raising awareness of local water quality issues and fundraising to support their project. They have also gained hands-on experience by helping to test the River Itchen for E. coli and nitrites with other young conservationists. Now, they are expanding their efforts to involve more young people in citizen science, demonstrating that even the youngest members of the community can make a real difference for their local environment.

Members of the Portsmouth Youth Cabinet, Freya, Hayden, Meghan, and Theo, were recognised for their commitment to climate action. They organised a Climate Conference and lead regular litter picks, using their voices to engage other young people in environmental issues. Their work empowers peers to take action, actively discuss climate change, and make sustainable choices, demonstrating how youth-led initiatives can inspire meaningful local change.

The Outstanding Contribution Award recognises Trust volunteers for their exceptional contributions and significant impact. This year’s award was presented to two dedicated volunteers who, between them, have given 28 years of service, sharing their time, skills, and energy to support the Trust’s work.

Brian Matthews from the New Forest has given more than 16 years of extraordinary service as a conservation volunteer, contributing hundreds of days to controlling invasive species in the New Forest, monitoring habitats at Breamore Marsh Site of Special Scientific Interest, and supporting river restoration projects. Known for his reliability, cheerful spirit, and tireless commitment, Brian’s work has left a lasting legacy for wildlife and inspired countless others to care for the natural world. 

Linda Seekings, an education volunteer at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, has dedicated 12 years to inspiring people of all ages to connect with nature. From leading weekly Babies and Tots sessions to mentoring new volunteers and stepping in to support large school groups, Linda contributes 10–20 hours each month as a volunteer, on top of her work as a Forest School tutor. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and passion for wildlife have touched the lives of thousands of children and families.

Megan McCubbin, President of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said:

“I love the people in this area that are making a difference. There are some absolute gems of humanity that can be found across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

“People who go above and beyond to protect what we collectively love, and they do so with such vigour and passion, and inspire so many others. We are so lucky to be surrounded by such an active community. 

“The people that volunteer their time, knowledge and most importantly their enthusiasm: this value cannot be underestimated.” 

The winners were announced at the Wilder Conference & Awards, on Thursday 23 October, which transformed The Point Theatre in Eastleigh into a vibrant hub of ideas and inspiration. 

Delegates heard from leading voices in conservation, farming, and community action, including: Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts; Liz Bonnin, President of The Wildlife Trusts; Julia Davies, impact investor; and Siôn McGeever, CEO of the South Downs National Park. Two lively panel discussions explored both global and local approaches to environmental action, sparking debate and collaboration among attendees.

This year also marked a milestone with the launch of the Trust’s refreshed Wilder 2030 strategy, building on the bold ambitions set out in the original version of the strategy in 2020. The updated strategy focuses on accelerating nature recovery, empowering communities, and inspiring a wilder future. 

More information about the Wilder Conference & Awards 2025 can be found here.