Two projects that help people volunteer and enjoy a range of activities in Pembrokeshire’s great outdoors were recently recognised in the 2023 National Park Protector Awards, which recognise the individuals and groups who go above and beyond in and for National Parks.

Roots to Recovery, which is run in partnership between Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Mind Pembrokeshire, was named runner up in the New Perspectives Category of the awards, which celebrates the people, projects or initiatives that champion and inspire diversity and inclusion in National Parks.

Roots to Recovery is a people-led project about the restorative powers of Pembrokeshire’s amazing outdoors. People of all abilities learn new skills and enjoy a range of activities such as wildlife walks, arts and crafts, conservation work, well-being sessions and gardening activities.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Next Generation, made up of the Authority’s Youth Rangers and Youth Committee was also shortlisted in the New Perspectives category.

Maisie Sherratt, National Park Authority Roots to Recovery Officer/Inclusion and Youth Engagement Officer, said: “I’m so proud of the hard work and commitment that everyone involved with these projects put in. Thank you to everyone for your constant support and words of encouragement.”

National Park Authority Chief Executive, Tegryn Jones, added: “I was extremely proud that two projects from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park had been shortlisted, continuing the strong tradition of previous winners and finalists we’ve had in the last few years.

“These two projects highlight some of the different ways the Park Authority is working to engage people from a range of ages, backgrounds and abilities to explore how the National Park can benefit them and how they can help make the Park a better place for others.”

As the participants in both projects were unable to attend the awards ceremony in the Houses of Parliament in London, a special evening was held at Oriel y Parc Gallery and Visitor Centre in St Davids to celebrate their achievements, alongside the organisations and individuals that have supported them.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Eco Dewi group, who were runners up in 2022.

The National Park Protector Awards are organised by the Campaign for National Parks each year to recognise individuals and groups who go above and beyond in and for National Parks. From large-scale projects that help nature recover to grass-roots groups improving community access to National Parks and volunteers helping people to visit responsibly.

To find out more about the National Park Protector Awards visit:  https://www.cnp.org.uk/national-park-protector-awards.

To find out more about the Roots to Recovery project visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/roots-to-recovery or follow the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Roots-to-Recovery-Mind-Pembrokeshire-100068679281023/.

To find out more about the National Park Next Generation visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/next-generation.

To find out more about joining Roots to Recovery, email [email protected].