High Sheriff Awards 2026
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​​​The 31st Annual Hertfordshire High Sheriff Awards ceremony was held at All Nations Christian College, near Ware, on Tuesday, 24 March 2026.​
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​The awards celebrate the excellent work undertaken by charitable groups and individuals who have made a significant contribution to Hertfordshire’s communities.
This year’s Awards focused on recognising and celebrating Hertfordshire voluntary groups and charities working with people within the High Sheriff's theme of ‘Nurture through Nature’.
Nicholas Buxton said, “I feel extremely privileged to have represented Hertfordshire as High Sheriff during my year in office. I have been searching out and celebrating charities that employ nature to address a range of societal and individual challenges. I have been working with agencies and public bodies in Hertfordshire to promote new thinking and to connect and encourage those working with nature to help the isolated, the marginalised, the inactive, ex-offenders, those from deprived communities, and those with learning disabilities
“It has been an enlightening and rewarding year and I have met many wonderful charities and voluntary groups across the whole of Hertfordshire who do so much to help vulnerable individuals.
“Members of the judging panel were inspired by all the nominations we received, and it was an extremely difficult job to select the winners of a 2026 High Sheriff Award. I am delighted to have been able to celebrate some of the very special people and organisations for the outstanding work they do in our county.”
The groups recognised for their work supporting people
CHEXS – (Waltham Cross) Recognised for using local green spaces to support young people and families facing disadvantage, boosting confidence, wellbeing and environmental stewardship.
Hertfordshire Mind Network (Letchworth) – Celebrated for horticultural therapy that improves mental health, promotes social connection and demonstrates the “Nurture through Nature” approach at their base at The Sadie Centre in Letchworth.
64th Bushey & Oxhey Scout Group (Bushey) – Honoured for providing inclusive outdoor activities that build skills, confidence, teamwork and a love of nature for young people in an area recognised as having some of the highest levels of deprivation.
CLP (Creative Learning Projects) (Watford) – Awarded for combining creativity with sustainability, supporting adult learners’ personal growth and environmental responsibility.
Mudlarks (Hertford) – Recognised for empowering people with learning disabilities and mental health needs through allotment gardening, fostering inclusion, wellbeing and community connection.
Woodoaks Farm (Rickmansworth) – Celebrated for engaging people of all ages with nature to support mental and physical health, environmental awareness and community connection.
The Red Shed (Stevenage) – Honoured for dementia-friendly gardening that improves wellbeing, reduces isolation and provides a therapeutic, inclusive outdoor space.
Sunnyside Rural Trust (Hemel Hempstead/ Berkhamsted) – Recognised for supporting neurodiverse young people and adults to develop skills, independence and wellbeing through horticulture and community projects.
In recognition of their outstanding work each organisation received a financial contribution funded through the ‘High Sheriff’s Fund’, a charitable fund managed by local grant-making charity, Hertfordshire Community Foundation.
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In addition to the High Sheriff Awards, some non-monetary High Sheriff Personal Awards were also presented to the following people:
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Dan Hamley, Community Ranger at Panshanger Park, for his outstanding leadership of volunteers and community engagement, coordinating efforts that have restored this treasured green space, from planting over 1,000 trees to supporting vital species recording, all delivered with boundless energy, positivity, and dedication to nature.
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Nicola and Christine, for the transformative impact they have made through the Farms and Gardens team at HMP The Mount. For creating a calm and purposeful haven within the prison, enabling individuals to develop skills, grow fresh produce, and find a sense of wellbeing and achievement despite challenging circumstances.
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Raihaanah Ahmed, St Albans Community Pantry, for building a compassionate and dignified service that supports vulnerable and transient communities, coordinating volunteers to rescue and redistribute food tailored to individual needs, ensuring no one is left without support.
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Joanne Richardson, Learning to Listen, for delivering innovative and therapeutic support to young people using equine-assisted techniques, helping children better understand their emotions and behaviours.
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Freya Boittier, Grove Cottage Bishop's Stortford Mencap, for creating opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to thrive through gardening, fostering confidence, inclusion, and joy, and leading the development of an award-winning allotment that celebrates achievement and community.
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Robin Dartington, Buzzworks, for inspiring countless young people and community groups with his knowledge of beekeeping, highlighting the vital importance of pollinators, and sharing his passion through hands-on and engaging experiences.
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Jane Shaw, Pets as Therapy initiative at Lister Hospital, for coordinating dedicated volunteers and specially trained dogs, enhancing the well-being of patients, families, and staff, and providing moments of connection and calm in challenging environments.
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Wendy Nee, First People Housing CIC, for her unwavering commitment to supporting individuals facing homelessness and addiction, creating innovative and compassionate pathways to recovery, and championing the belief that stability, purpose, and care are essential to lasting change.
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Congratulations to all of the magnificent winning groups and
individuals honoured at the ceremony.
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