Michael Warden highlights a CPRE Sussex Countryside Awards winner

The CPRE Sussex Countryside Awards 2020 ceremony was well attended, although it had to be conducted via Zoom, and it was great to be amongst some very special people.

The judges were overwhelmed by the number and quality of entrants and found the job of choosing winners very difficult. There were so many worthy projects entered or nominated this year.

I was part of a party from my local U3A gardening group that visited Crossland Nurseries about two years ago and was very impressed with the way the business of growing flowers was run and in a way that benefited the environment. So, I decided to nominate them for the Empowering Communities Award.

This category was voted for by the public and the Crossland Nurseries won the GOLD Award, a well-deserved accolade.

Ben, who is the proprietor, is an inspiration to all. He truly embodies the perception of empowering communities. His work not only incorporates the growing of the lovely Alstroemeria blooms, which are sold nationwide, but he finds time to venture out and give talks to a variety of organisations and schools.

It is also great to see that the flowers are grown in a sustainable way and when sold are packaged in recyclable materials. All in all, his business encompasses all the things that CPRE are passionate about and endeavour to protect and enhance.

I should also mention that Ben works with an amazing team of people who are as passionate about the flowers they grow and how they are grown.

I would urge you to take yourselves along to the Crossland Nurseries and see how the flowers are grown, you will not be disappointed.

We wish Ben and his staff all the very best and well done.

Michael Warden

Arun District Group leader