Defence Sanctuary Awards 2026: 35th Anniversary Celebrates Top Conservation and Sustainability Projects

Since 1991, the Sanctuary Awards have recognised exceptional conservation and sustainability achievements across the Ministry of Defence estate. These prestigious awards highlight and support both individual and collective efforts that advance sustainable development, environmental and heritage conservation, utility management and resource efficiency, sustainable construction and procurement practices, as well as community engagement related to land or property owned or operated by the MOD within the UK and overseas.

35th Sanctuary Awards 2026: Shortlisted entries

The winners will be announced on 17 November 2026. Interested parties can register for the complimentary Sanctuary Awards 2026 live broadcast online.

We extend our congratulations to the 14 exceptional projects that have been shortlisted for the 35th Sanctuary Awards 2026:

• 507 Specialist Team Royal Engineers – A1 Steam Trust, Darlington Railhead Construction Project (A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Darlington)
• AA Wick Marsh Ranges (AA (Wick Marsh) Ranges, Fingringhoe, Colchester)
• Aldershot’s Training Area – sustaining military capability (Aldershot Military Fieldcraft Training Areas)
• Barton Stacey Flyfishing Club (Barton Stacey Training Area)
• Beckingham Cadet Training Centre – sustainable construction (Army HQ, Andover)
• Devonport Open Days (HMNB Devonport)
• Group Captain Maurice Dixon (RAF Leeming and RAF High Wycombe)
• Sq Ldr Don Earl (RAF High Wycombe)
• Exercise Druid Sacrifice (RAF Valley)
• Find it in Plymouth – supply chain resilience at Devonport (HMNB Devonport)
• FuelActive – cleaner fuel for Team Leidos’ fleet (Defence Fulfilment Centre, DM Beith, MOD Bicester, JHC FS Aldergrove, MOD Kineton, MOD Longtown, DM Gosport, HMNB Portsmouth)
• Lydd Ranges Sea Defence Project (Lydd Ranges)
• Project Life (National Armaments Director Group Bicester)
• SPINNERET – microgrids for operational energy (MOD Bovington Camp)

Nominations are accepted across the following award categories:

• Climate Change Resilience Award – recognising projects or activities that actively enhance climate resilience through adaptive measures.
• Energy Award – honouring energy or fuel-saving initiatives that reduce demand, improve efficiency, and strengthen sustainability-driven energy resilience.
• Environmental Enhancement Award – celebrating efforts focused on wildlife conservation, biodiversity, environmental research, or addressing pollution and contamination challenges.
• Heritage Award – acknowledging contributions to archaeology, historic buildings, parks or gardens, landscape preservation, museum collections, or heritage education and public engagement.
• Individual Achievement Award – paying tribute to individuals who have made a notable personal commitment to advancing the MOD’s sustainability and conservation goals.
• Social Impact Award – spotlighting grassroots sustainability projects that foster community involvement, create green spaces, promote wellbeing, or enable public access.
• Sustainability Improvement Award – rewarding projects demonstrating tangible sustainability gains through circular economy strategies, including reduced resource use and improved waste management, sustainable procurement, greener construction or refurbishment, and enhancements driven by eco-design principles.

The Operational Capability Award will be selected from among the shortlisted nominations and presented to the project that most effectively enhances operational capability through sustainability and climate-conscious approaches.

Furthermore, the Silver Otter Trophy will be awarded from the pool of category winners, honouring the best establishment, conservation group, or community-led initiative or individual endeavour contributing to conservation on the MOD estate.

For further information, please contact: DIO-Sanctuary@mod.gov.uk

Source link