Church buildings win environment Oscars

A church, priory and abbey were among the winners of an award recognising their outstanding architectural, environmental and educational projects.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England Norfolk awards, regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the environmental world, have been going for 30 years. More than 200 people were present at the awards ceremony at the Assembly House in Norwich on Thursday night.

St Peter’s Church Strumpshaw, Wymondham Abbey and Binham Priory were among the 24 projects shortlisted in recognition of their "significant small scale achievements in the field of conservation".

Panel judge Martin Walton visited many of the projects.

“We had 42 entries and short listed 24 but every one of the entries could have been recognised for its contribution,” he said, according to EDP24. “The awards are our equivalent to the Oscars and the ceremony is always very special.”

St Peter’s Church Strumpshaw had a new lighting scheme and nave roof fitted that was designed to match the original medieval roof of the 14th. The design also allowed the tower arch to be exposed.

At Wymondham Abbey, the view from the Abbey Churchyard and the Abbey Meadows was significantly improved as a result of the restoration of the ancient ha-ha ditch and wall. Judges agreed that the repair work had enhanced the landscape setting of Wymondham Abbey itself.

Binham Priory was recognised for its work to improve access to and understanding of the medieval building, including conversation of the medieval gatehouse and precinct walls and the construction of a new entrance and service building.

Greg Peck, the charity's chairman said: “There are projects that improve access and understanding of the countryside - for adults and children alike - and projects that promote and protect the biodiversity of our county.

“There are some excellent examples of historic restoration that have breathed new life into some of our most precious buildings and there is a selection of new buildings, designed and built in a sustainable way.”

“It is an impressive array of projects and I personally am very heartened to see so much positive activity in the county.”