Celebrating 36 Years of Conservation Excellence at the 2026 Conservation Awards

Intact Insurance was delighted to celebrate another year of outstanding environmental achievement at our 2026 Conservation Awards in Guernsey, recognising the individuals, organisations, schools and community groups helping to protect and enhance the natural environment across the Bailiwick.

Now in their 36th year, the Conservation Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the dedication, innovation and community spirit that drive conservation efforts throughout the islands.

This year's overall winner, Alderney Wildlife Trust, impressed judges with its Once and Future Woodland project, an ambitious initiative focused on restoring native woodland across Alderney through habitat restoration, native tree planting, education and community engagement. The project was recognised for its long-term vision and commitment to creating a more resilient and biodiverse landscape for future generations.

The Best Conservation Project Runner-Up award went to Guernsey Conservation Volunteers for its Keeping Bluebell Wood Blue project. For five years, volunteers have worked tirelessly to remove invasive stinking onions from Bluebell Wood, helping native bluebells flourish once again in one of Guernsey's most treasured natural spaces.

Young people also played a leading role in this year's awards. St Martin's Primary School received the Schools and Youth Groups Green Award for its impressive range of conservation initiatives, including pollinator habitats, pond restoration projects and sustainability-focused outdoor learning. The school's commitment to environmental education also resonated with the wider community, earning it the Peter Walpole People's Choice Award.

The Young Conservationists of the Year Award was presented to the 8th Guernsey Cubs (Scouts) in recognition of their enthusiasm for wildlife exploration, conservation activities and outdoor learning, helping to inspire the next generation of environmental champions.

A special moment during the awards ceremony saw the GSPCA receive a Judges' Special Recognition Award for its longstanding contribution to wildlife conservation and animal welfare across the Bailiwick. For generations, the organisation has played a vital role in rescuing, rehabilitating and protecting wildlife while raising awareness of conservation issues within the community.

Judges also awarded Highly Commended recognition to three outstanding projects:

• Guernsey Beach Cleaners for their ongoing efforts to tackle marine pollution and protect the island's coastline.

• Pollinator Project for its community-led habitat restoration work and commitment to supporting biodiversity.

• Guernsey Nature Commission for its innovative biodiversity data collection project, which combines scientific monitoring with citizen science participation.

Speaking about this year's awards, Sarah Beatty, Managing Director, Intact Insurance Channel Islands said:

The Conservation Awards continue to highlight the remarkable work taking place across our islands to protect and enhance the natural environment. Every year we are inspired by the passion, dedication and innovation shown by individuals and organisations of all sizes, and 2026 has been no exception. We would like to congratulate all of this year's winners, finalists and volunteers for the positive impact they are making for nature and future generations.

The ceremony took place at Les Cotils, where awards were presented by Madam Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland. Guests were also pleased to welcome Peter Walpole, who founded the Conservation Awards more than three decades ago and whose vision continues to inspire conservation efforts across the islands today.

Speaking at the event, Madam Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland praised the longstanding commitment of Intact Insurance to supporting conservation across the Bailiwick.

This is corporate social responsibility at its very best – the commitment of a local business truly giving back to its community, through the members of our community who are helping to conserve our natural environment.

The 2026 Conservation Awards once again demonstrated that conservation is most successful when communities come together with a shared commitment to protecting the environment. Intact Insurance is proud to continue supporting these awards and celebrating the people whose efforts are helping to preserve the natural heritage of the Bailiwick for years to come.