The Wilder Awards celebrate everyday heroes who are making space for nature, helping wildlife thrive and inspiring action - from chalk streams to coastlines, and classrooms to community gardens.

This is the public’s chance to recognise incredible individuals, schools, businesses, farmers, and community groups going above and beyond to protect, restore and bring nature to life across the region. 

“These awards recognise the passion and dedication of our community’s nature champions. We’re constantly inspired by the creativity, care and commitment shown by people of all ages,” said Hannah Terrey, Director of Advocacy and Engagement at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. 

This year’s awards will culminate in a special awards ceremony in Eastleigh hosted by zoologist, broadcaster, and President of the Trust, Megan McCubbin.

Do you know a nature hero?

Whether it’s schools creating buzzing wildlife habitats, businesses championing conservation, or neighbourhoods coming together to protect local species - it’s time to shine a light on their work.

Wilder Awards Categories:

• Young Changemaker  For under-18s making a difference for nature - from volunteering and campaigning to creative community projects and wildlife initiatives that inspire others.
• Wilder School Honouring schools bringing nature into everyday learning - from making space for wildflowers and wildlife, to building bug hotels and hedgehog highways, to creating outdoor classrooms.
• Wilder Business  For businesses putting nature at the heart of what they do - from championing sustainability to wildlife-friendly work environments and innovative biodiversity initiatives.
• Individual Action Shining a light on individuals taking direct action for nature - through projects, volunteering, or inspiring others to get involved.
• Collective Action Celebrating groups uniting communities to protect and restore nature - through hands-on activities, campaigns, or creating wild spaces.
• Food and Farming with Nature Recognising food and farming projects that demonstrate how growing food and restoring nature can thrive together.
• Nature Restoration Project Celebrating bold, creative projects that help wildlife recover and inspire positive change for people, nature, and the planet.

The Trust is especially keen to receive nominations for the Young Changemaker and Wilder School categories.

“The future of nature is in the hands of the next generation, and many young people are already leading the way,” adds Hannah. 

“We want to hear about the children who are growing vegetables using wildlife-friendly methods, restoring habitats, or speaking up for the planet - and the schools giving them the space and support to thrive.”

“Whether it’s organising a litter pick, running an eco-club, or transforming school grounds into buzzing wildlife havens, these young changemakers show what’s possible when passion meets action. It’s time to celebrate them - and be inspired.”

Inspiring past winners include Hounsdown Primary School in Totton, which transformed unused land into a thriving nature garden, and Arun Carson, a passionate young conservationist who began volunteering for the Trust at just nine years old and helps research marine life.

Nominations close on 29 June 2025. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the people making a real difference for nature. Nominate here.