EXMOOR National Park Authority is again operating its Conservation Award Scheme which aims to reward three exceptional projects undertaken within the national park during 1998/1999.
Any project which has contributed to the conservation or enhancement of the environment is eligible, provided it was completed after September 1, 1998.
Projects could include restoration of hedges, walls, ponds or buildings, the management of moorland, grassland, landscape schemes, removal of eyesores or improvement of public access or provision of information,
Winners of last year's competition were the West Somerset Day Services with their heather regeneration project, which went on to represent the South West national parks in the Association of National Parks Conservation Award competition.
This small but effective project beat off some major competition to become national joint runners up.
Somerset County Council Social Services' West Somerset Resource Centre provides day services for adults with learning difficulties.
A group of volunteers from the centre collected 700 heather seedlings from a well stocked area of the moor and transplanted each seedling to a separate pot.
In the spring of 1997 both groups planted the largest of the seedlings alongside one of the recently improved main tracks to Dunkery Beacon where the heather had been eroded, protecting each one by surrounding them with stones.
Winners of last year's school and youth group class were St Dubricius' First School in Porlock with their pond and nature conservation area at the school.
This year there is only one category of award but three prizes. The award is open to organisations, individuals, groups or schools with prizes of £250, £150 and £100.
Entries which clearly contribute to the promotion of enjoyment and understanding through, or alongside, a conservation project will have an edge - even better if there is benefit to the local community as well.
Judging will take place in January and the three winners will receive a certificate and a cheque as appropriate.
For further information and an application form, contact Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset TA2 9HL, or telephone 01398 323665.