Introducing our Countryside Alliance Awards 2024 Champions!

The Countryside Alliance Awards, often known as the "Rural Oscars," celebrate rural businesses, communities, and individuals who make significant contributions to the countryside and are prestigious to win.

Run across the whole of the United Kingdom, they recognise and reward rural businesses and individuals who go above and beyond in their contributions to the community in five categories.

The Awards help promote rural businesses, giving them a platform to reach a wider audience and highlight the importance of community spirit and the vital roles these businesses play in maintaining the fabric of rural life. This year, at our Champions' Reception which was held at the House of Lords on Tuesday 25 June, saw a great selection of businesses honoured.

We're pleased to introduce our 2024 Countryside Alliance Awards Champions and Highly Commended businesses!                               

BUTCHER

This award celebrates butchers who are providing that key link between local people and the farms and fields that surround them. It commends those who have high regard for animal welfare and who put their community on the map through the quality local produce they sell.

Champion - Arthur Howell Butchers, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk   

“Active on social media and regular contributors to BBC Norfolk, the business engages with the community through events and demonstrations, while serving a loyal customer base, contributing to the vibrant local culture. Additionally, Arthur has a small farm where not only does he produce top quality meat he promotes wildlife and biodiversity.”

Highly Commended - Nesbitt Quality Meats, Northern Ireland                                             

"This is a fantastic butcher’s shop that has been serving the community for over 30 years and where they believe in supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable practices. The butchers here are experts in their craft and are always ready to provide helpful hints to satisfy every customer.”

LOCAL FOOD/DRINK

This award celebrates those who are playing an integral role in supporting the rural economy. It commends those who champion local produce and help to enhance their local community.

Champion – The Wild Meat Company, Suffolk

“In Suffolk, there is an abundance of wild game and the Wild Meat Company is a business that was born out of necessity and has grown into a showcase of sustainability. They aim to take the muck and mystery out of buying, preparing and eating game and promote it to a whole new market.”

Highly Commended – Cwm Farm Charcuterie, Glamorgan

"Despite a major setback with TB-infected pigs, the farm, led by its determined owner, adapted and continued operations. The farm's produce has gained international acclaim and even orders from British royalty. True grit and determination is the story behind this business.”

PUB

This award celebrates pubs that are motivated by a sense of community and maintain that ‘classic’ pub feel. It commends those who are at the heart of the community and helps to put the local area on the map by reflecting its specific county or region.

Champion – The York Inn, Somerset

“Having achieved his dream of becoming the landlord of The York Inn, Dan continues to strive to purchase the pub and ensure it remains a pillar of support and community in Churchinford and beyond.”

Highly Commended – The Gordons Arm Bar & Kitchen, Scottish borders

"Since buying the Gordon Arms its owners have transformed the pub into a lynch-pin for a community in which they and their staff are deeply rooted. It runs its own community events and supports those of other groups, and has assumed still more vital a role after becoming the last service business left in the village.”

RURAL ENTERPRISE

This award celebrates the imagination and ingenuity of individuals in the countryside supporting the rural economy. It commends those who have made a real contribution to the community through jobs and services and helped to enhance the local area. 

Champion – Wessex Internet, Dorset

“Wessex Internet, while one of our larger businesses to be in the Awards, it has developed out of the absolute need to be part of the digital world. They have fought tooth and nail to be an internet provider that meets the needs of rural communities where the larger providers and government have failed.”

Highly Commended – Bargoed Farm, Ceredigion

“The Thomas family are a force of nature with a vision to provide sustainable farming and tourism while supporting their local community. With the (renewable) energy to keep diversifying, there is nothing this couple can’t or won’t do to drive this rural enterprise forward.”

Village Shop/Post Office

This award celebrates the important role village shops play in rural communities. It commends those who go above and beyond the call of duty and are the hub of the community.

Champion – Fittleworth Village Stores, West Sussex

“As a community shop the services offered go way beyond that of simply a retail outlet. It acts to combat loneliness, support local producers and their Fittleworth Food Angels, set up during Covid, continues to provide support to those vulnerable households. The range and quality of goods on offer are all you need and more.”

Highly Commended – Child Okeford Village Stores, Dorset

“Andrew provides an excellent service to the village - not only as a shop but as a community ambassador, the star of the village panto playing the shopkeeper, and proud promoter of local suppliers through his Countryfile reels on social media. The shop is a central ‘meeting point' and almost a social service to residents!”

Clarissa Dickson Wright Award

This Award centres on Clarissa Dickson Wright's belief in campaigning, educating and support for our farmers and producers.

Champion – Izzy’s Butchers, Powys

“Izzy has played a huge part in promoting the consumption of game and the benefits of game shooting to the area, to the environment, for biodiversity, conservation and of course the rural economy. Izzy has transformed the way people see game meat, her ranges include moroccan pheasant sausages, bang-cock bunny and most recently pheasant bacon. Yes that’s right, pheasant bacon.”