1st February 2024
ORN Awards 2024
The Outdoor Recreation Network (ORN) proudly announces the winners of the ORN Awards 2024, celebrating exemplary efforts in the outdoor recreation sector across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The inaugural awards ceremony was held on 11th April 2024 in picturesque setting of Glendalough, Co. Wicklow as part of the ORN Conference ‘Navigating Outdoor Recreation with Insights’.
The award categories aligned to the themes of the and in turn the key and current challenges of the outdoor recreation sector. The panel selected the following winners from a vast array of submissions.
2024 ORN Awards Timeline
Awards open for nominations
1st March 2024
Panel shortlist nominations
1st April 2024
Winners decided
Results announced at a celebratory Dinner.
11th April 2024
2024 ORN Awards Winners
Best Practice for Accessibility and Inclusion - Clare Sports Partnership
Development of a pioneering digital system, empowering trail managers and users to assess and evaluate trail accessibility in advance.
Best Example of Tackling Climate Change - The National Trust
Climate Modelling – a groundbreaking project, demonstrating leadership and commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change across their portfolio.
Best Example of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Related Tourism and Visitor Management - Ramblers Scotland & Partners
#RespectProtectEnjoy campaign – an innovative campaign which leveraged social media platforms to promote responsible access and engagement with the outdoors.
Best Example for Improving Greenspace and Green Infrastructure - Forestry and Land Scotland
Glentress Masterplan – a comprehensive initiative fostering community engagement and sustainable tourism while enhancing greenspace infrastructure.
Best Contribution Towards Transforming Nature Connection - The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Generation Wild – a project which fosters meaningful connections with nature through immersive experiences and storytelling.
Best Example of Research Making an Impact - Natural England
Creating More Accessible Green and Blue Spaces – involving research to inform the approach to creating more accessible green and blue spaces for individuals with visual impairments, providing valuable insights and recommendations for the sector.
2024 ORN Awards Nominations
Best Practice for Accessibility and Inclusion
Best Example of Tackling Climate Change
Best Example of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation Related Tourism and Visitor Management
Best Example for Improving Greenspace and Green Infrastructure
Best Contribution Towards Transforming Nature Connection
Best Example of Research Making an Impact
All nominees were highly commended for their efforts, reflecting the collective commitment of the outdoor recreation sector to positive change.
“We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding contributions of our winners and nominees,” said James Nevitt, Co-Chair of the ORN. “Their dedication to accessibility, sustainability, and fostering connections with nature is truly commendable and inspires us all.”
2024 ORN Award Judges
The esteemed panel of judges for 2024 faced the difficult task of selecting the winners. This external panel of highly respected experts, each renowned in their respective fields, were invited to evaluate the nominations, bringing an objective perspective beyond the ORN Executive Committee.