Rainham Mark Grammar School wins Bronze at 2025-2026 Wilder Kent Awards

Rainham Mark Grammar School are proud to announce they have won bronze at this year’s Wilder Kent Awards for their hard work in helping to create a Wilder Kent.

The awards, presented by Kent Wildlife Trust, saw 90 organisations shortlisted, with 25,000+ individuals recorded as having taken action for nature. Their efforts resulted in a staggering 400,000+ people across the county receiving the nature benefits from the actions taken by the entrants. In total, almost 70 hectares were improved or restored for nature - that’s the size of 98 football pitches.

There was real diversity with the groups and organisations who took part, from businesses and community groups, to schools, nurseries, colleges and universities, as well as village, town and city councils. 22 groups received the highest accolade of gold, 25 silver and 31 bronze, with 10 awarded commendations for their efforts. They received their awards at a wonderful ceremony at Chapel House Estate on Saturday, 7th March, with a special appearance and keynote speech by Giles Clark, a passionate conservationist, television presenter, naturalist and powerful advocate for wildlife and the natural world.

Key facts:

• 90 winning groups – 10 Commendation, 31 Bronze, 25 Silver, 22 Gold
• 25,000+ people recorded as having taken positive action for nature
• An estimated 400,000+ people recorded as having benefited from the various projects
• An estimated 67.7 hectares improved/restored for nature as part of the various projects - that’s roughly 98 football pitches

Kent Wildlife Trust set up the Wilder Kent Awards back in 2020 as a way of recognising and rewarding the positive actions that groups across Kent are taking in order to protect wildlife and safeguard nature for future generations.

Kent Wildlife Trust’s Education Manager, Tom White, said:” Every year we are blown away by the entries we receive. To be given an insight into so many fantastic projects, taking place all over the county, is a real privilege. These projects are creating habitats for wildlife, restoring natural spaces, and working to tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis we all face.

These awards don’t only celebrate the actions taken for nature and the impact these actions have, but they also celebrate the people involved - the awards ceremony on Saturday was the perfect celebration of this.”

About the Wilder Kent Awards

The natural world isn't just something for us to enjoy; it sustains us. The decline of nature puts our very survival and prosperity under threat. But it doesn't have to be like this; together we can create a Wilder Kent.

The Wilder Kent Awards is a scheme set up to recognise and reward the work schools and community groups are doing in helping us create a #WilderKent. By taking positive actions to restore nature, they are helping to create a more climate-resilient county and provide a home for wildlife. Their action benefits us locally and helps tackle the global environmental threats we all face.

These awards are open to schools, colleges, universities, nurseries, community groups, businesses and villages, towns and cities across the county. They acknowledge the hard work and action taken to create a Wilder Kent whilst ensuring that people and wildlife co-exist for future generations.

The awards are free to enter, with the actions split into 3 main criteria: Protect & Restore, Sustainability & Carbon Reduction and Inspire & Collaborate.Upon signing up, you will receive an awards booklet which provides guidance on actions you can take for nature under these 3 criteria.

Benefits to entering the Wilder Kent Awards

• Be part of a community helping to tackle the ‘nature deficit disorder’.
• Improve your health and well-being, physically and mentally.
• Personal satisfaction that you have made a real difference.
• Safeguard nature and wildlife for future generations.
• Enjoy new experiences and learn new life and craft skills.
• Spend time in the fresh air and appreciate nature.

 

About Kent Wildlife Trust

Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading conservation charity with more than 31,000 members and over 1000 registered volunteers. We manage and protect over 9000 acres of land across more than 80 different sites and nature reserves, alongside 2 visitor centres.

We work closely with local communities, landowners, and partners to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent.

The charity also campaigns against inappropriate and damaging development and educates and inspires young people to help secure a more sustainable future and create a Wilder Kent.

Want to know more?

For further information on the Wilder Kent Awards, as well as further quotes and images, please contact Kent Wildlife Trust on awards@kentwildlife.org.uk