Honours Recognition for ORN Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

ORN is delighted to share that Tom Bindoff has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List 2026, in recognition of his services to Outdoor Accessibility to Nature.

This national honour is a fitting recognition of Tom’s pioneering work over more than four decades, championing inclusive access to the countryside and helping to ensure that more people, regardless of ability, can experience and enjoy the outdoors.

The award follows Tom receiving the ORN Lifetime Achievement Award in June 2025, which recognised his 40+ years of service to the outdoor recreation sector and the significant, lasting impact of his work. The Award was presented by Pippa Langford, and a recording of the presentation, celebrating Tom’s leadership and influence, is available to watch below.

Tom’s contribution has helped shape thinking and practice around accessible countryside, inclusive design, and responsible recreation, leaving a legacy that continues to benefit communities across the UK and Ireland.

Warm congratulations to Tom on this well-deserved honour.