CATEGORY WINNER
© Chris Bibb
© Chris Bibb
BEFORE
COCKSHUT RESTORATION PROJECT
LEWES BROOKS, KINGSTON ROAD, LEWES
Delivered by Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, Lewes District Council and partners, the project restored a rare chalk stream and created 6ha of wetland in Lewes. Designed for climate resilience, biodiversity, and community engagement, it supports freshwater species and over-wintering birds, integrates low-carbon practices, and respects the local heritage and SSSI status. The scheme enhances carbon sequestration, reduces invasive species, and fosters long-term stewardship through volunteer engagement— establishing a sustainable, biodiverse landscape within the South Downs National Park.
“The project transforms a once-neglected site into a thriving wetland, rich in biodiversity and public value. By embracing natural processes—like managed flooding for carbon capture—it enhances the landscape, creates vital habitats, and opens new public access.
The collaborative approach, involving community, council, and conservation partners, sets a powerful precedent for nature-led design and climate resilience in even the most challenging settings.”
Submitted by: Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust. www.oart.org.uk | Lewes District Council. www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk
Project Managers: Peter King, Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust Chris Bibb, Lewes District Council.
Contractor: Ebsford Environmental. www.ebsford.co.uk
Other: Sam McArthur, CBEC Eco-Engineering. www.cbecoeng.co.uk
HIGHLY COMMENDED
© David Grandorge
© Wilkinson-King
CLOSE UP
FIELD HOUSE
PULBOROUGH
The family home in an AONB blends traditional craftsmanship with modern sustainability, celebrating its rural context with pioneering composite stone, timber structure and natural materials like solid limestone and Douglas fir. The design maximises the sweeping views to the distant hills, with a stone loggia mediating the threshold between inside and out whilst protecting the full height glazing. Passive solar design, high energy efficiency, and biodiversity enhancements, including wildflower meadows, ponds, and bat habitats, ensure a low carbon footprint and offer a strong connection to nature.
Submitted by: Wilkinson King Architects. www.wilkinsonking.com
Architect: Wilkinson King Architects.
Site Manager: Roland Ronert, details on request.
Contractor: Excalibur. www.excaliburltd.co.uk
Craftsperson: Alex Bertrand, The Stone Masonry Company. www.thestonemasonrycompany.co.uk
Other: Steve Webb and Paul Downie, Webb Yates. www.webbyates.com | KLH. www.klhuk.com | IQ Glass. www.iqglassuk.com
BEFORE
GARDEN FOR THE FUTURE
SHEFFIELD PARK, UCKFIELD TN22 3QX
A climate-resilient, accessible addition to the Grade I listed Sheffield Park and Garden, designed by RHS Chelsea award-winner Joe Perkins. Prioritising biodiversity, sustainability, and wellbeing, it features drought-tolerant planting in manufactured soils, permeable paths, reclaimed marine timber boardwalks, and locally sourced stone. Sensitive construction avoids root zones and protects veteran trees. The garden embodies innovation and legacy, offering a living experiment for adaptive planting across National Trust properties amid changing environmental conditions.
Submitted by: Joe Perkins Design. www.joeperkinsdesign.com
The National Trust. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Landscape Architect: Joe Perkins, Joe Perkins Design.
Site Manager: Pippa Reece, The National Trust.
Contractor: The Landscaping Consultants. www.thelandscapingconsultants.co.uk
Craftspeople: Oli Carter Adventurous Joinery. www.olicarter.co.uk
Other: Kelways Plants Ltd. www.kelways.co.uk | CED Stone. www.cedstone.co.uk | Bourne Amenity. www.bourneamenity.co.uk