For the first time, the prestigious Pendlebury Award has been jointly awarded, recognising two individuals for their outstanding contributions to the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark.
Former partnership chair Jan Simmonds and local geologist and academic Brian Young will share the 2025 honour.
Jan, from Allendale in Northumberland, was Chair of the North Pennines AONB Partnership then later the National Landscape partnership for seven years until her retirement from the role in 2024. She represented one of three local community seats on the partnership of local authorities, voluntary and community organisations, and statutory agencies which support the work of the North Pennines National Landscape team. Jan receives the award for the time, commitment and enthusiasm she gave to this role.
Jan Simmonds said:
“Living in the North Pennines it is easy to forget how special it is – to take the cries of lapwing and curlew for granted. To see a red squirrel scampering by the road or an adder coiled on a moorland track. And then there are the rolling hills, the unique geology, the bright hay meadows, the rich mining heritage, the dark skies.
“By being involved with the National Landscape I hope I have done a bit to help conserve this special place with all its amazing features and to help both locals and visitors enjoy and understand it better. It has also been special to work alongside the National Landscape team of committed, hardworking, enthusiastic and expert staff from whom I have learned such a lot. To receive this award is unexpected but valued and much appreciated.”
Brian Young is a geologist and noted mineralogist (the mineral brianyoungite is named after him). He continues to play an active role on the North Pennines Geology Advisory Group, supported the attainment of UNESCO Global Geopark status, and over many years has worked with the National Landscape team to share the area’s world-class geology with local people and visitors.
On receiving the award, Brian said:
“I feel honoured to be the joint recipient of this year’s Pendlebury Award. My affection for the North Pennines began in my school days when I became fascinated by the local rocks and landscapes, inspiring a career with the British Geological Survey. Transferring back to my native North East England to research the area’s rocks and minerals, I worked with the newly created AONB to share these geological treasures with others. There is still much to investigate in the North Pennines National Landscape, and via an Honorary association with Durham University, it remains a continued interest. My sincere and heartfelt thanks for this recognition.”
The award was established by the North Pennines National Landscape team to celebrate people who go above and beyond to help look after the landscape. Named after the organisation’s inaugural chairman and former councillor Bob Pendlebury, this award is presented at the Partnership’s annual forum, which was held this year in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines National Landscape team, said:
“It’s always a pleasure to recognise those who have played an important part in helping to conserve and enhance natural beauty in the North Pennines through the Pendlebury Award. This year’s winners demonstrate that there are many ways that people contribute. Jan gave so much time and commitment in her role as Chair, bringing her business experience and her thoughtful consideration of how best to work for nature and communities here in the North Pennines. Brian has brought expertise in geology that has informed much of our work for many years. This has helped us to interpret the landscape for new audiences to enjoy as well as to celebrate the outstanding geology that lies behind the Geopark designation.”