National Trust and Guernsey Conservation Volunteers win 2024 Conservation Awards
A PROJECT to restore the island’s coastal grasslands was the surprise winner of the 2024 Conservation Awards – to the people behind it, at least.

The scheme, a joint venture between the National Trust and Guernsey Conservation Volunteers, aims to counteract a 16% decline in this habitat by preserving and restoring the islands grasslands.
Trust president Mike Brown said the award of the £3,000 first prize had come as a complete shock.
‘I have to say we were completely surprised to win,’ he said.
‘We were runner-up last year, again with a joint project with the GCV, to create a butterfly glade at the Clifton Valley, so to win this year has come as a big surprise, as there have been some wonderful entries.’
The awards, held at Les Cotils yesterday afternoon, are now in their 34th year, and have been sponsored and organised throughout that time by insurance provider Insurance Corporation.
HR and PR executive Michelle Steele said that this year had seen the largest number of entries ever in the long history of the competition.
‘Our team at Insurance Corporation have a genuine ambition to be responsible members of our community and we see one of those responsibilities as looking after our local environment,’ she said.
‘That means protecting our environment for our children and future generations, protecting species, their habitats and their ecosystems.’
The awards were presented by Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland, who said the achievements of all the winners and participants were an inspiration to everyone in the island.
Runner-up in the best conservation project category was marine biologist Richard Lord, who won a £1,500 prize.
The funds will go towards a project to tackle marine litter from shipping.
In relation to that he will speak at a conference held by the International Maritime Organisation to advocate for stricter regulations.
Young Conservationist of the Year went to PHD student Joshua Smith.
He is investigating whether it is best to ‘mow or moo’, as he examines the impact or reintroducing cattle to the islands grasslands.
The Schools and Youth Groups Green award went to Les Beaucamps High School Gardening club.
The Peter Walpole people’s choice award, which is voted for by the public, went to the Elizabeth College Eco team.
‘I think there is a old Greek proverb that is very appropriate for this event,' said Mr Brown.
'“All is not bad for the world while old men plant trees, under whose shade they will never sit”.’