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BIG Biodiversity Challenge 2024 Winners

Overall winner sponsored by: 

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Urban GreenUP

Urban GreenUP

Liverpool City Council, Mersey Forest, University of Liverpool and other consultants

Anchor 1

Judges' comments:
Ambitious, inspirational, and highly replicable, with data backing up all results. They did what was right, not what was easy, including marine enhancements that weren't required. These are the measures we want to see construction projects adopting.

1. Client Award winner sponsored by: 

South Thamesmead Public Realm

South Thamesmead Public Realm

Peabody Housing Association

Judges' comments:
From such a starting point, this has been transformed into an area that delivers significant amenity value, as well as the promotion of well-being. There is also a long-term management plan that takes into consideration local residents, and therefore serves as a great example of how to deliver a regeneration project.

Anchor 2

Highly commended

Oban Biodiversity Improvement Project

Oban Biodiversity Improvement Project

SGN

Anchor 3

Judges' comments:
There are opportunities for biodiversity enhancements to be truly beneficial. The Bodiversity Metric tool was used to gather improved data, which is not required in Scotland therefore going above and beyond.

Anchor 4

2. Community Engagement Award winner sponsored by: 

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Partnership for People, Wildlife and the Planet

Partnership for People, Wildlife and the Planet

Network Rail and The Tree Council

Judges' comments:
The Tree Council has shown impressive community engagement by hosting events on tree planting and care, and distributing trees locally. Their hedgerow projects have boosted species diversity. With 179 planned community projects, this initiative is clearly replicable.

Anchor 5

 3. Habitat Creation: Project of the Year Award (Large scale biodiversity enhancement 5ha and above)

No winner

4. Habitat Creation: Project of the Year Award winner sponsored by:
(Medium scale biodiversity enhancement 0.5-5ha)

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Oban Biodiversity Improvement Project

Oban Biodiversity Improvement Project

SGN

Anchor 6

Judges' comments:
There are significant opportunities for meaningful biodiversity enhancements. By using the biodiversity metric tool to gather improved data—exceeding requirements in Scotland—this initiative goes above and beyond.

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5. Habitat Creation: Project of the Year Award winner sponsored by:
(Small scale biodiversity enhancement of up to 0.5ha)

The Pollinator Project, Urban GreenUP

The Pollinator Project, Urban GreenUP

Liverpool City Council, Mersey Forest, University of Liverpool

Judges' comments:
The strategy extended beyond biodiversity, addressing systemic change and integrating all aspects of sustainability principles. It unified several small projects, emphasising cost-effectiveness, science-based approaches, and extensive data collection, potentially yielding multiple benefits. The project engaged a wide variety of stakeholders, offering a fresh and inspiring perspective on pollinator initiatives.

6. Innovation Award sponsored by:

Urban GreenUP

Urban GreenUP

Liverpool City Council, Mersey Forest, University of Liverpool and other consultants

Anchor 7

Judges' comments:
Ambitious, inspirational, and highly replicable, with data backing up all results. They did what was right, not what was easy, including marine enhancements that weren't required. These are the measures we want to see construction projects adopting.

Highly commended

Whitechapel Road Vertical Meadow Wrap

Whitechapel Road Vertical Meadow Wrap

London Borough of Tower Hamlets, NHS, Vertical Meadow

Judges' comments:
The concept was impressive, with strong potential to enhance urban biodiversity. Special recognition goes to the product’s simplicity, which improves biodiversity while also addressing issues like graffiti and litter.

Anchor 8
LivingPillars

LivingPillars

Grosvenor Great Britain & Ireland & Westminster City Council

Judges' comments:
This solution deserves a special mention for its replicability in even the most limited of spaces, adding an additional method for incorporating nature back into the built environment.

 

Anchor 9

7. Multi Benefits Award winner sponsored by:

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Walk, Cycle, Live, Stirling E-Walk

Walk, Cycle, Live, Stirling E-Walk

Stirling Council, Ironside Farrar Edinburgh, Sustrans Scotland, Transport for Scotland

Judges' comments:
Carbon reduction, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), pedestrian safety, and flood alleviation were all addressed, delivering multiple benefits. The project is supported by comprehensive data, demonstrating the effectiveness of these interventions.

Anchor 10

8. Biodiversity Legacy Award winner sponsored by:

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Highway Verge Management for Biodiversity

Highway Verge Management for Biodiversity

West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council

Anchor 11

Judges' comments:
Running for 20 years, the programme adds four new verges each year, with effective communication with the public and stakeholders. It has expanded from grassland management to include hedgerow management and school outreach, connecting to other habitats.

9. International Biodiversity Project Award Winner sponsored by:

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Biodiversity Bridges: systemic co-creation approach to build the environment of the future

Biodiversity Bridges: systemic co-creation approach to build the environment of the future

WBA Project Srl

Judges' comments:
The project's delivery of its missions, 'Conservation by Education' and 'Discovering Biodiversity,' was impressive, effectively connecting people with nature. Its hands-on interventions have raised awareness and continue to inspire a new generation in biodiversity restoration.

Highly commended

Domus Mellifera Project

Domus Mellifera Project

World Biodiversity Association

Judges' comments:
Although the project is straightforward, incorporating educational elements and requiring participants to sign a 'Keeper of the Bees' certificate are commendable practices. These steps effectively raise awareness about the vital role of pollinators.

10. Biodiversity Champion Award winner
(Early career professional: up to 5 years in biodiversity-related work)

No winner

11. Biodiversity Champion Award sponsored by:
(Established professional: more than 5 years in biodiversity-related work)

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Joe Dance

Joe Dance

Tyler Grange

Judges' comments:
Joe's enthusiasm and ability to convey complex concepts while understanding people's priorities were impressive, engaging stakeholders in the nature recovery journey. His work highlights how collaboration benefits both the environment and communities—a true inspiration for the next generation of ecologists!

 

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