The awards are run by Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with Lindum Rotary Club, Lincoln, and sponsored by FCC Environment, allowing all the shortlisted entries to receive prize money towards their ongoing projects for nature. They celebrate young people under the age of 13 who, either independently or as part of a school or organisation, demonstrate outstanding dedication to environmental causes. Six finalists were visited by the panel of judges and invited to give a presentation at Whisby before the winners were announced.

Potterhanworth Church of England Primary School

“Ultimately we chose Potterhanworth because it’s a small school that didn’t have the resources of many we’ve seen over the years, but the children are so enthusiastic about creating an outside space that is better for nature and for them, they are just raring to go, and are making clever use of everything they can,” explained judge Liz Lucas.

“The sense of teamwork we felt from the school really stood out,” added Zoe Rumsby, also on the panel.

These were sentiments reflected by the staff and pupils from the school, who were delighted to have had their efforts recognised.

“We have a very small amount of money we can spend so we try to use everything around us, which is actually really fun,” said Iona Maitland, 10. “On Wednesdays we sometimes go out and find what we need, like collecting bits of scrap wood and natural materials to make bug hotels and hedgehog houses.”

“When we saw what other schools are doing, we didn’t expect to win, but we were overjoyed when they announced our name,” said 9-year-old Jemima Sims.

Teacher Megan Woodcock set up the Eco Club two years ago in response to the students’ interests and desire to connect with nature and do more for their local wildlife. “It’s all very natural and led by the children. Their enthusiasm just shines, and the club is going from strength to strength,” she explained. “It’s really aimed at Key Stage 2 – Years 3 to 6 – so it’s something exciting the younger ones look forward to getting involved with when they’re old enough. Every September, everyone who wants to be part of it has to apply again so it’s not always the same children, there is a chance for them all to get hands-on.”

The club’s creative recycling mission has also included making different bird feeders to hang around their bird boxes from used water bottles, orange skins and pine cones, producing seed paper decorations from scrap paper, and holding termly used uniform sales to raise funds for the project. They children litter pick and lead the way in educating and inspiring the rest of the school about taking care of the environment for wildlife.

“They give up their free time to do the work,” said Megan. “They are all very dedicated and committed.”

They now hope to put their £300 prize money towards more water butts or a form of irrigation system for their allotment.     

Brody Carter

When the judges visited Healing in North East Lincolnshire, looking for some of the wildlife crossing road signs Brody has put in place, they were stopped by a resident wondering what they were doing. When they told her, she immediately smiled: “Oh, Hedgehog Boy!”

It’s a nickname he’s justifiably proud of. At just 11 years old, Brody has built up both a great reputation as a local wildlife hero and an impressive network of contacts and organisations that are helping him make a difference on a scale no one could achieve alone.

His drive was sparked by the sale of a field that had become home to a small herd of wild deer. The change of use forced them across the road, which sadly resulted in accidents. Brody contacted the developers who had taken over the field, as well as the council, and both were receptive to his concerns and ideas. Beal Homes have made him a Wildlife Ambassador, invited him to join them on site visits and worked with him to integrate wildlife-friendly measures into their planning for new homes. He now also has a similar role with Lincolnshire Housing Partnership.

“I spoke to the council about warning signs for drivers at the places where most hedgehogs and other wildlife cross, and they agreed they were needed and allowed me to help decide where they should be sited,” said Brody, who gathered information from others in the community to identify the most dangerous spots. “There is also a shortage of suitable homes for the wildlife around the village, so I put out a message on social media asking for help and the response was amazing.”

In less than a year, Brody has managed to install or distribute hundreds of birdboxes and hedgehog houses in the immediate area, give out some 100kg of animal feed, and donate nearly £1,000 to local wildlife charities. Donors have included E.ON, Innocent smoothies, Renault and many more.

He has also helped out and learnt a huge amount at Holton Le Clay based rescue, Charlie’s Hedgehog Care, and has now become the first port of call when someone in Healing finds a sick, injured or abandoned wild animal.

“I’ve had a few bird missions, and it’s mostly hedgehog missions,” said Brody, whose longer-term aim is to have a shed where he can make a little hedgehog hospital at home.

“He’ll get a call and off he’ll go on his bike to help,” added mum Nikki.

“We chose Brody because he is embedded in his local community – he has started making a difference on his doorstep and that is spreading outwards,” explained Zoe Rumsby. “The impact he is having and the dedication is just incredible for a child of that age.”

Fellow judge Steve Lovell agreed: “It’s very impressive to see the motivation and determination of some of the young people in these awards. If people acted more like Brody, the world would be a better place.”

The runners-up this year were Manor Leas Junior Academy, St Peter in Eastgate Church of England Infant School (wonderfully represented by 5-year-old Teddy), and individual finalists, passionate fundraiser Paige, 8, and Dominic.

Sally Hood, who presented the trophies and certificates on behalf of FCC Environment, said: "For many years, FCC Environment has sponsored the Young Environmentalist Awards. Each year, entrants demonstrate outstanding dedication to environmental causes, maintaining exceptionally high standards. This year is no exception."

Everyone who attended the finals was able to spend the afternoon in the grounds of Whisby Education Centre with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust team, enjoying meeting trees, wild art and den building - and testing the waterproofing of their constructions!

Next year’s Lincolnshire Young Environmentalist Awards will open for entries in early 2026. Applications and nominations for the Lincolnshire Environmental Award 2025, which recognises community-based groups that are working to improve their local environment, encourage wildlife and increase sustainability, close on 16 June 2025. You can enter here now.