News Item (12-10-2009)

The annual event is hosted by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, which manages the Biffaward scheme. Biffaward is a multi-million environmental fund, which uses landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services

Amongst the winners was The Bearsted Woodland Trust, who not only won its own category, Outdoor Recreation, but was then crowned Biffaward's overall winner receiving a substantial cash boost for its amenity.  On receiving the prize, Bernard Head, Trustee of the Bearsted Woodland Trust, commented "We're obviously thrilled, and a little overwhelmed, to have received such a great award. It's taken hundreds of volunteers a lot of hard work but the woodland is now truly accessible for all local residents. It offers a place of relaxation as well as exercise for all, and we're so excited that all the effort has been recognised. We owe a lot to Biffaward and are honoured to accept this award."

Biffaward distributes landfill tax funding to environmental and community projects across the UK.  Since 1997, hundreds of communities and wildlife habitats have been awarded funding.  The annual awards ceremony recognises the achievements of the diverse projects which have used their funding to make a real difference.   Gillian French, Biffaward Programme Manager, commented "The Biffaward Awards allow us to highlight the positive effect the projects we've sponsored have on our environment. The awards ceremony is an opportunity to really thank the volunteers involved and celebrate their outstanding achievements".

Roger Dobbs, Chairman of Biffaward, was guest speaker at the ceremony.  He said: "The Biffaward Awards is an opportunity to applaud those who have had the determination and commitment to make a real difference to their local communities and environments and I congratulate everyone involved in their project.   2009 celebrates the landmark of £100 million in funding awarded by Biffaward.  Winners like The Bearsted Woodland Trust and the other category winners including Worsall Village Hall, The Bourne Conservation Group and Somerset Wildlife Trust are all excellent examples of funding going to support local communities in improving their environments.

Biffaward supports a huge range of projects across the length and breadth of the UK and we gain a great deal of satisfaction from providing funding which can help to improve people's lives and environments in so many different ways. This year's winners will provide inspiration for even more groups to benefit from this funding in the future."