Winners of the 2002 North Norfolk Environment Awards

A school's green practice, a new conservation area, and an environmental field study centre are among the winners of this year's North Norfolk Environment Awards.

The awards were presented by NNDC's Vice-Chairman, Councillor Anne Rose, at Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park on 11 July. They are given annually to encourage groups or individuals in their work to protect or improve the environment in line with Local Agenda 21.

The winners and runners-up in the five categories were:

SCHOOLS
Category supported by the North Norfolk News and Dereham and Fakenham Times
• Winner: Colby School:
The school has converted old sheds into a field study centre, which incorporates energy-saving features, and has vegetable gardens, a chicken run, and food composting and paper recycling facilities.
• Runner-Up: Sidestrand Hall:
The school grounds are used to help the pupils understand the principles behind waste reduction, food origins and the interrelation between plants and animals. Recycled materials are used in art projects.

COMMUNITY
• Winner: Aldborough Green Conservation Area:
The parish council has resolved the problem of a wet area of the village green by creating a wildlife habitat, planting grasses and wildflowers, with new trees to take up water. Mown pathways allow pleasant walks through.
• Runner-Up: Rectory Meadow Project, Trunch:
Meadow land has been bought for an extension of the village cemetary, and has been developed into a nature reserve to encourage wildlife and make it more attractive to visitors.

LARGE BUSINESS
• Winner: Wells Field Study Centre:
This business has an eco-trail drawing attention to energy conservation measures. Practical actions include a comprehensive waste system (including a 'can of worms') and reminders to change habits which also result in cost-saving.
• Runner-Up: Shell UK Exploration and Production:
A new biotreatment system for decontaminating water pumped up with gas has been introduced at Bacton, following consultation with local people. The system cuts down the smell of gas around the plant.

SMALL BUSINESS
• Winner: The Cobbler's Guest House:
The owners apply green principles throughout, by recycling paper, and using environmentally-friendly cleaning products, local produce, Fairtrade goods and a renewable energy supplier. They also provide guests with information about local biodiversity and habitats and green transport.
• Runner-Up: Blakeney Point Sailing School:
The business offers powerboat instruction, but ensures that consideration is given to wildlife and that customers take a greener view of the sport. Quiet four-stroke engines are used, and good environmental practice is applied in the office.

BUILDINGS
• Winner: The Homeopathic Supply Company Ltd:
A shed has been renovated to become new workspace, with high-insulating walls and windows, organic paints, good use of natural and low-energy lighting, reclaimed or locally-sourced timber, and a condensing boiler.
• Runner-Up: 12 Jolly Sailors Yard, Wells-next-the-Sea:
This family home has been refurbished using timber from a sustainable source, sheep wool insulation and organic paints, avoiding PVC, and with low-energy kitchen appliances and lighting and solar panels for energy and water heating.

The Large Business category winner received a trophy made by pupils at Sidestrand Hall using recycled materials, including old copies of the North Norfolk News and Dereham and Fakenham Times - sponsors of the School category. Other category winners received £250 and a plaque , and runners-up received £50.