Twenty years. Thousands of nominations. Countless rural heroes.

This year, the Countryside Alliance Awards celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of recognising the people, businesses and communities that make rural Britain such a special place to live, work and visit.

Since the Awards began, thousands of nominations have told us about the people and places that matter most to their local communities. From independent shops and pubs to rural enterprises, food producers, butchers and community champions, the Awards have shone a light on the contribution being made in villages, towns and communities across the country.

And after 20 years, there is a lot to celebrate. The countryside has changed in many ways. But what has remained constant is the importance of the people at the heart of rural communities. The shopkeeper who knows everyone by name, the publican who keeps the village together, the farmer producing food for the nation, the business creating local jobs and the volunteers who give their time to help others.

Often, they are simply getting on with the job. The Awards are our chance to say thank you and give them the recognition they deserve.

To mark this special anniversary, we are also introducing a one-off 20th Anniversary Award for outstanding contribution to the countryside. This special award will recognise an individual, business, organisation or community that has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to rural life and embodies the spirit of the Countryside Alliance Awards. It could be someone who has spent decades supporting their community, a business that has become part of the fabric of rural life, or an organisation that has made a lasting difference to the countryside. After 20 years of celebrating rural heroes, this is our chance to recognise one truly outstanding contribution.

Who deserves your nomination?

As we mark 20 years, we want to hear about the people and places that make your part of the countryside special.

Perhaps it is a local business that has been serving its community for generations. A rural enterprise creating jobs and opportunity. A food producer making something exceptional. A pub, shop or service that has become a vital part of village life. Or an individual who has consistently gone the extra mile for their neighbours.

If they make a difference to rural life, we want to hear about them.

From rural businesses and community champions to the individuals who quietly go the extra mile, the Awards recognise the people who make our countryside what it is.

Now, as we mark 20 years, we want to hear from you. Who deserves their moment in the spotlight?

NOMINATE NOW