Cranbrook Country Park and Open Spaces have secured a top honour at the BALI National Landscape Awards 2026, taking home the trophy in the “Nature Conservation & Biodiversity Enhancement” category.
This victory marks a second major triumph at the BALI Awards for the town, building on a previous win in the "Grounds Maintenance – Free Public Access" category back in December 2022. The recognition adds to a growing list of environmental achievements for the 35-hectare site, which already holds a 2024 Saving Devon’s Treescapes Award alongside three consecutive Green Flag Awards (2024, 2025, and 2026).
To earn the national award, entries undergo rigorous, independent judging across criteria such as measurable biodiversity net gain, robust long-term management plans, ongoing species tracking, and sustainable conservation practices. Cranbrook's entry stood out for its exemplary environmental stewardship, from establishing more than 5,670 young trees and restoring wildflower habitats across Long, Stone, and Great meadows to installing bat boxes and bug houses to give local wildlife dedicated sanctuary.
Councillor Vikki Wright, Chair of Cranbrook Town Council, said: “Winning another BALI Award is a fantastic moment for Cranbrook and proof of what strong teamwork can deliver. Working shoulder to-shoulder with Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd and the volunteers from our local community allows us to place nature conservation and biodiversity right at the heart of how we care for our open spaces. This national recognition celebrates our shared commitment to protecting local wildlife habitats and ensuring our country park remains a thriving, sustainable sanctuary for our residents, visitors, and generations to come.”
The Cranbrook Town Council Ranger, Andy, added: “The Country Park has come a long way since its beginning and still has a way to go, but recognition for the hard work and effort that goes into enhancing the Country Parks biodiversity lets us know that our year-round effort and careful planning is making all the difference. Standout projects like woodland creation and wildflower planting, alongside practical tasks like putting up bat, bird and insect boxes, and working towards specific habitat goals give vital support to local wildlife and biodiversity. This award belongs to the ground maintenance team and the dedicated local volunteers who give their time to help nature thrive and make our Country Park the wonderful place it is to be. It’s brilliant to see that our collective effort is being recognised at a national level.”
The Town Council warmly invites anyone interested in joining local volunteer conservation or maintenance projects to contact the Cranbrook Ranger at ranger@cranbrooktowncouncil.gov.uk. Come along and help us care for our award-winning country park.
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