Intact Insurance Channel Islands celebrated the outstanding achievements of Jersey’s environmental champions at the 2026 Conservation Awards.
The annual awards recognised individuals, organisations, schools and community groups whose dedication is helping to protect and enhance Jersey’s natural environment.
Now in their 36th year, the Conservation Awards celebrate innovation, commitment and community action, shining a spotlight on projects that safeguard the island’s biodiversity and inspire future generations.
This year’s top honour, the Best Conservation Project Award, was presented to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust for its Agile Frog Recovery Programme. Judges praised the project for its urgent and highly effective work to save Jersey’s critically endangered agile frog from extinction. Through a science-led programme combining captive breeding, habitat restoration, monitoring and strong partnerships, the project has successfully reared and released more than 70,000 froglets, helping to stabilise the island’s wild population.
The Best Conservation Project Runner-Up Award was presented to Emily Wagdin and Anne Haden for their Forget-Me-Not Project. The initiative impressed judges through its successful restoration of one of Jersey’s rarest native plant species by combining habitat restoration, species reintroduction and seed banking, already demonstrating measurable signs of recovery.
Young people once again played a prominent role in this year’s awards.
The Schools & Youth Groups Green Award was awarded to Jersey Marine Conservation for its Causeway Bioblitz project. Judges recognised its engaging, hands-on approach to introducing primary school pupils to Jersey’s unique marine environment through citizen science, biodiversity monitoring and coastal education.
The Young Conservationists of the Year Award was presented to Jersey College Preparatory School for its Big Schools Birdwatch Project, which empowers pupils to play an active role in wildlife monitoring while inspiring curiosity, responsibility and a lasting connection with nature.
The Peter Walpole People’s Choice Award, voted for by members of the public, was won by Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, with more than 680 public votes, reflecting the strong community support for the organisation’s conservation work.
A special highlight of this year’s ceremony was the presentation of the Judges’ Special Recognition Award to Les Amis Oil Recycling Service. The award recognised the project’s outstanding environmental and social impact through the collection and recycling of waste cooking oil into biodiesel, preventing pollution while creating meaningful employment opportunities for islanders with additional needs.
The judges also awarded Highly Commended recognition to:
- Jersey Trees for Life, for the restoration of the Egypte Evolution Woodland project;
- La Croix Regeneration Centre, for the restoration of its historic wet meadow; and
- Acorn Enterprises, for its innovative plastic repurposing project.
Sarah Beatty, Managing Director of Intact Insurance Channel Islands, said: “The Conservation Awards continue to showcase the remarkable work taking place across our islands to protect and enhance the natural environment. Every year we are inspired by the passion, innovation and dedication shown by individuals, schools and organisations of every size, and this year’s finalists have once again demonstrated the incredible difference that local action can make. We congratulate all of our winners and finalists for the lasting contribution they are making to Jersey’s natural environment and future generations.”
