Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is set to launch its prestigious National Park Award competition, now in its 20th year. The aim of the award - which was first launched in 1985 - is to mark the National Park Authority's gratitude to the many people and organisations who carry out projects which support the Park's purposes. The scheme also attempts to ensure that their efforts and caring attitude towards the Park environment receive greater public recognition. The winner will receive a hand-carved slate plaque carrying the Razorbill emblem of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This is being made by Richard and Fran Boultbee at the slate workshop at Llangolman, near Clunderwen. Judging will take place in four categories - conservation or enhancement of the built environment; conservation or enhancement of the rural environment; promotion of public enjoyment and understanding of the Park, and promotion of cultural conservation and socio-economic wellbeing of the local community. From these categories an overall winner will be chosen and will automatically be included in a showcase event to be held during 2005, celebrating all winning entries from each National Park in Wales. The projects must be located within the National Park area and have been completed during the period October 2002 to February, 2005. Judging will be by the chairman and vice-chairman of the National Park Authority and two independent judges. Park Authority chairman, Clr. Stephen Watkins, said: "We are very pleased that we are able to progress the Park Award competition. We look forward to receiving a range of applications in 2005 and also to the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the work of individuals, businesses and organisations in supporting Park purposes. "We hope that the 2005 award will attract a significant number of applications, helping to raise the profile of this prestigious competition even further, and encourage people to submit projects that they feel deserve special recognition." A bilingual leaflet detailing the National Park Award 2005 is available from local libraries and from the National Park Authority at Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock, SA62 6DY (Tel. 0845 345 7275). Details are also available on the National Park website http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk">www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk. Those wishing to submit an entry can do so 'on-line' and post it via the internet. Closing date for entries is February 28.
