Bird Aware Solent wins national award for protecting wildlife by promoting responsible access to nature
22 January 2026
Bird Aware Solent has won the Outdoor Recreation Network (ORN) Award for “Best Project for Protecting Nature and Responsible Access”. The recognition highlights the organisation’s innovative work to reduce disturbance to coastal wildlife while helping people enjoy the Solent responsibly.
The award was presented to Anna Parry, Bird Aware Solent’s Partnership Manager, today, Thursday 22 January, at the ORN Awards Ceremony by Pippa Langford outgoing Co-Chair of the Outdoor Recreation Network.
Accepting the award, Anna Parry said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition from the Outdoor Recreation Network. Our work is built on the belief that small changes in how we all enjoy the coast can make a big difference for the incredible birds that rely on the Solent. This award is a testament to the dedication of our Rangers, our partners, and the many coastal visitors who choose to share the space in a way that helps wildlife thrive.”
The Solent is a unique and much‑loved coastal landscape, drawing around 52 million leisure visits each year from walkers, watersports enthusiasts and people seeking the wellbeing benefits of time in nature. Its 254 km coastline includes three Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which together support around 125,000 migratory birds annually.
As the Solent’s population continues to grow, there is a likelihood that recreational disturbance on protected wildlife areas could increase as more people visit the coast. Research shows that without initiatives like Bird Aware Solent, this disturbance could lead to higher bird mortality over time.
Anna Parry said: “Our aim is to create a coastline where wildlife and people can thrive together. Our approach is grounded in behaviour‑change science, encouraging small but meaningful shifts in how people use the coast so that birds can feed, rest and nest undisturbed.”
Bird Aware Solent is a partnership of 19 different wildlife organisations and local authorities. The partnership’s mitigation scheme places behaviour‑change science at the core of its work, which includes:
- A dedicated Ranger team engaging directly with coastal visitors
- The Coast and Country Canines initiative, which supports dog owners with skills and resources for nature‑friendly dog walking
- Capital improvement projects that enhance protection for wildlife and improve access to less sensitive areas of the coast and countryside
- A wide range of communications materials, from signage and leaflets to a website and active social media channels
Over the last two years, Bird Aware Solent’s Rangers have taken part in 983 site patrols and have spoken to more than 28,000 people, raising awareness of the needs of wildlife and offering practical tips to help them enjoy the coast.
The Outdoor Recreation Network Award highlights the importance of Bird Aware Solent’s collaborative, science‑led approach in ensuring that the Solent remains a place where both people and wildlife can flourish for generations to come.
