Who has made an exceptional contribution to rural Britain? We want to hear from you.

The Countryside Alliance Awards are celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2027 and to mark two decades of celebrating the people, businesses and communities that make rural Britain special, we are introducing a brand-new 20th Anniversary Award for outstanding contribution to the countryside.

For 20 years, the Countryside Alliance Awards have shone a light on the rural businesses that go the extra mile for their customers and communities. From village shops and pubs to butchers, food producers and rural enterprises, thousands of nominations have highlighted the people who keep rural communities thriving.

But behind every successful rural business is a wider community and there are countless individuals, organisations and communities whose contribution deserves recognition too.

Who deserves the award?

The 20th Anniversary Award for outstanding contribution to the countryside will recognise an individual, business, organisation or community that has made an exceptional and lasting contribution to rural life.

Perhaps it is someone who has spent decades supporting their local community. A business that has become part of the fabric of village life. An organisation that has protected rural traditions or created opportunities for future generations. Or a community that has come together to save an important local service or make a lasting difference to the place it calls home.

We want to hear the stories that show the very best of rural Britain.

Nominees might have:

• made an exceptional and lasting contribution to rural life
• gone above and beyond to support their local community
• helped protect, promote or celebrate the character and traditions of their rural area
• created jobs, opportunities or new ways of supporting rural communities
• championed rural skills, food, farming, heritage or the countryside
• shown outstanding commitment, leadership or innovation
• created a legacy that will benefit their community for years to come

Above all, we are looking for someone whose story deserves to be told and whose contribution truly embodies the spirit of the Countryside Alliance Awards.

Twenty years of rural champions

Since the Awards began, thousands of people have nominated the rural businesses and community champions that matter to them. The Awards have become a celebration of the people who keep rural life going – often quietly, and without expecting recognition.

As we reach this special 20-year milestone, we want to take the opportunity to recognise one truly outstanding contribution to the countryside.

Who deserves your nomination?

If there is an individual, business, organisation or community that has made a lasting difference to rural Britain, tell us their story and give them the recognition they deserve.

NOMINATE NOW

The Countryside Alliance Awards are widely known as the “Rural Oscars” and currently recognise rural businesses across categories including Butcher, Pub, Village Shop/Post Office, Local Food and Drink and Rural Enterprise, alongside the Clarissa Dickson Wright Award.