Cormac wins at the 2025 CIRIA Biodiversity Challenge Awards

Cormac were delighted to receive recognition at this year's CIRIA Biodiversity Challenge Awards, held on Wednesday 25 September. 

The awards encourage the construction industry to 'go BIG for nature' by putting biodiversity at the centre of projects, delivering beyond normal business practice and compliance with applicable legislation. This year's event saw Cormac's Environment Service team shine, with not one, but two accolades.  

Cormac's 'Urban Green Shoots' initiative won the national 'Nature Recovery' award. 

Significant progress has been made in enhancing urban green spaces across Cornwall. In just 18 months, the project successfully improved 12 urban sites totalling 27.2 hectares in key towns such as Camborne, Hayle, Liskeard, Newlyn, Newquay, Penzance, Redruth, Saltash, and Torpoint. These schemes encompassed parks, road verges, cemeteries, playing fields, woodlands, and coastal headlands, benefiting from strong community engagement and support throughout the project. The spaces promote wellbeing and unity, enabling residents to connect with nature and experience its benefits.

Melissa Ralph, Making Space for Nature Manager commented: “We are thrilled to receive national recognition for Cormac’s excellent work. We have been very pleased to work with local communities, to carefully listen to their ideas and work together to improve and manage green spaces in several towns – now buzzing with colour, activity and wildlife.”

In addition, Kelly Strange, Cormac's Urban Ranger for East Cornwall, received a Highly Commended as 'Biodiversity Champion - Early Career Professional.' The judging panel praised Kelly's dedication to volunteering and her initiatives to inspire young generations to connect with the outdoors and foster a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Kelly commented: “Having the opportunity to be recognised in my field is very motivating and has made me excited for the future and what we can achieve at Cormac with the rest of the team.”

As we continue our journey to foster greater biodiversity across Cornwall, Cormac remains committed to empowering local communities, enhancing natural spaced and setting an example in environmental conservation.