A community benefit society working to restore nature and boost local food production in Bannau Brycheiniog and surrounding areas has been recognised at the Campaign for National Park’s annual Park Protector Awards.

Our Food 1200, based in Crickhowell, was named runner-up for the Nature award at a ceremony hosted by Baroness Maggie Jones at the House of Lords on July 12.

The awards brought together 16 examples of best practice from National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across England and Wales. Our Food 1200 was one of two Welsh projects shortlisted, with Eryri National Park’s team of 50 volunteer wardens nominated for the Changemaker of the Year Award.

Speaking after the awards, Our Food 1200’s Co-Project Manager and Director Duncan Fisher said: “The Park Protector Awards recognise projects that are making a real difference. We were up against some very stiff competition and delighted to even make it on to the shortlist, so to be named runner-up is an unexpected fillip.”

Mr Fisher said the award was also recognition of Our Food 1200’s close working relationship with Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

“We’re a named delivery partner in their new management plan, which calls for radical action on food, farming and land management to tackle the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis,” he said.

“It’s hard to believe, but in Bannau Brycheiniog, food and drink is the leading source of residents’ carbon emissions, accounting for 23 per cent of the total, compared to vehicle fuel (14 per cent) and household fuel (13 per cent). That’s because we export most of the food we produce here, and import pretty much everything we eat.

“We’re working to rebuild a local food economy that provides food security and jobs and also helps tackle the impacts of climate change and protect the Park as a resource for future generations.”