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Trust receives King's Award for sustainability work

Shariqua AhmedPeterborough
Nene Park Trust The Ferry Meadows visitor centre. A one-storey building with solar panels on the roof. There is bunting decoration above the entrance and in the distance a number of tables and chairs. There is a mobility scooter parked outside the entrance. Nene Park Trust
Nene Park Trust manages seven sites in Peterborough, including Ferry Meadows

A park trust has been honoured with a 2026 King's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

Nene Park Trust was founded in 1988 and manages seven sites across Peterborough, including Ferry Meadows.

The charity said a key part of its mission was to protect and preserve wildlife while creating open spaces that unite communities and contribute positively to the world.

Adrian Oates, the trust's director of development and partnerships, said the award "means a great deal to our staff and volunteers" and would provide "real motivation to keep going further".

The King's Awards celebrate exceptional UK organisations and the park trust is one of 185 groups being recognised.

"This award reflects years of work right across Nene Park Trust to embed sustainability in everything we do, from creating new habitats and restoring floodplains, to reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local communities and connecting people with nature," Oates added.

Nene Park Trust A close-up image of Adrian smiling and looking directly at the camera. He has a beard and brown hair and is standing in front of a tree. Nene Park Trust
Adrian Oates says the award "means a great deal to our staff and volunteers"

"This award highlights how a local charity can achieve environmental, social, and economic impact on a level comparable with leading national and global organisations," a spokesperson for the charity said.

Oates added the trust's application had demonstrated how its work contributed to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

"It was great to see the breadth of what Nene Park Trust delivers captured in one place and to have it recognised at the highest level," he said.

Nene Park Trust Matthew Bradbury smiles and looks directly at the camera as he is photographed outside standing in front of a green bush. He is wearing a suit jacket and white shirt, and has grey hair and a grey beard. Nene Park Trust
Matthew Bradbury said he was "proud" the trust received the award

Matthew Bradbury, the chief executive of the trust, said: "To be honoured alongside national and international businesses says something powerful about the role a local charity can play in tackling the issues that matter most: climate, nature, community and wellbeing.

"It honours the work of our staff, volunteers and partners in looking after our cherished landscape.

"For our visitors, I hope it offers reassurance that the park they love is being cared for thoughtfully, with the future in mind."

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