Congratulations are in order for Bredhurst Woodland Action Group (BWAG), winners of the Richard Neame Local Wildlife Site Award 2014 for their significant contribution to nature conservation in Kent.

Bredhurst Woodland Action Group has been recognised for their valuable contribution to enhancing wildlife at Bredhurst Woods Local Wildlife Site, near Maidstone, through reinstating coppicing, ride management and scrub control for the benefit of species such as hazel dormouse, adder, orchids and other precious woodland wildlife.

Each year the Richard Neame Local Wildlife Sites Awards are presented to nominated landowners and others who own or manage Local Wildlife Sites, to acknowledge the work they contribute to managing land for the benefit of wildlife and biodiversity. 

The Richard Neame Endowment Fund provides an annual prize for conservation efforts on a Local Wildlife Site within Kent and the overall winner receives £1000 to be used to further enhance their Local Wildlife Site for wildlife. The award seeks to recognise the hard work and invaluable contributions people make to maintaining, protecting or enhancing Local Wildlife Sites and the surrounding landscape.

Bredhurst Woods is an area of ancient woodland surrounded by chalk grassland, situated on the North Downs and forms part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These woods have been managed by local people for centuries, and BWAG continue this tradition today by managing much of this valuable landscape locally for conservation and people through monthly task days with a team of volunteers.