The winners of the 35th annual Bailiwick Conservation Awards have been chosen – with Insurance Corporation honouring them at an event to highlight the individual environmental projects.
Hosted at Les Cotils earlier this month, this year’s awards were presented by the Deputy Bailiff who praised the importance of local conservation and the spirit of community engagement it represents.
“I am delighted once again to present the Insurance Corporation Conservation Awards,” said Jessica Roland.
“The 80th anniversary of Liberation Day this year reminded us all how lucky we are to live in a Bailiwick with its outstanding natural beauty. Yet too many of us take it for granted. The finalists today show that we can have an impact for the better.”
The top prize, for Best Conservation Project went to La Société Sercquaise Seabird Monitoring Project.
Michelle Steele, HR & PR Executive at Insurance Corporation and Chair of the judging panel, said it was a very worthy winner.
“We’re proud to support the Seabird Monitoring Project and thrilled to see guillemot numbers rising around Sark. It’s fantastic to see Sark to win the Best Conservation Project Award – joining Guernsey, Alderney and Herm in receiving this top honour.”
The Sark project uses drone technology to monitor the growing guillemot colonies around the island.
Insurance Corporation felt that, not only does it provide vital data on a key indicator species for ocean health, it also actively involves the local community through education, tourism, and citizen science.
The judges decided that it demonstrates how innovation and grassroots engagement can deliver lasting environmental benefits.
Ms Steele said these are important factors when they consider all of the entries.
“After 35 years of these awards, we’re still inspired by the creativity, dedication, and sheer energy behind every entry,” she said.
“It’s heartening to see so many islanders stepping up to protect the natural beauty of the Bailiwick.
“Congratulations to all this year’s finalists and winners – you’re shaping a better future for us all.”
Award winners
Best Conservation Project: La Société Sercquaise Seabird Monitoring Project – an initiative that uses drone technology to monitor the growing guillemot colonies around Sark.
Runner-Up: Guernsey Conservation Volunteers – for targeted efforts to protect the Glanville Fritillary and Silver-studded Blue butterflies – both under threat – through the removal of invasive species and promotion of native plants, in Sark and Guernsey.
The School & Youth Group Green Award: 8th Guernsey Sea Scout Group – for their sustained commitment to environmental action seeing over 70 Cubs take part in beach cleans, wildlife surveys, and earn conservation-themed badges over the last five years.
The Elizabeth College Eco Team: Won Young Conservationist of the Year and the People’s Choice Award – for their consistent efforts over seven years creating an ongoing culture of sustainability within their school and wider community, leaving a legacy of positive change.
Several other entrants received highly commended accolades:
· The Cornucopians Collective and Community – for transforming a disused vinery into a vibrant permaculture hub.
· Pierre Ehmann and Liz Sweet – for their powerful visual media project highlighting island pollinators.
· Richard Lord – for his beach litter catalogue, which supports his long-running and impactful campaign by providing a powerful visual record of coastal pollution around Guernsey.
