Nominations Open for the Rural Champion Award

The Royal Countryside Fund has officially opened nominations for its 2025 Rural Champion Award, inviting communities across the UK to recognise the individuals whose dedication, leadership and passion help rural places thrive.

Each year, the Rural Champion Award shines a spotlight on people who go above and beyond to strengthen their local area — whether through community action, volunteering, innovation, environmental stewardship, or supporting local services and livelihoods. These are the individuals who quietly make a big difference: the organisers, the problem‑solvers, the connectors, and the people who step up when their community needs them most.

Rural and island communities face unique challenges, from access to services and employment to the impacts of climate change and economic pressures. The award celebrates those who respond to these challenges with creativity, resilience and care, helping to build stronger, fairer and more sustainable futures for the countryside.

Last year’s nominees highlighted the extraordinary breadth of work happening across rural Britain — from young people championing local food systems to long‑standing volunteers keeping essential services running. The Royal Countryside Fund is now calling on the public, community groups, charities and local organisations to help identify the next inspiring Rural Champions.

If you know someone who consistently goes the extra mile for their rural or island community, now is the perfect time to recognise their contribution.

Find out more about the Royal Countryside Fund and how to Nominate your Rural Champion here.

By submitting a nomination, you help celebrate the people whose commitment keeps rural communities vibrant, connected and full of possibility.