Tree nursery officer reaches coveted BBC awards finals

A nurturer of nature in Denbighshire has been nominated for a coveted national award.

Sam Brown, Tree Nursery Assistant, at Denbighshire County Council’s Local Provenance Tree Nursery, St Asaph is one of three finalists in the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2025 Countryfile Young Countryside Champion category.

Launched in 2000 the BBC Food & Farming Awards have a number of awards to celebrate farming, food and countryside.

The Countryfile Young Countryside Champion category celebrates young countryside champions between the ages of 16-24. It includes farmers, naturalists and conservationists that are seen to be making a difference in their roles.

Sam and the other finalists were picked from thousands of nominations by an expert panel of judges led by chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

His award citation reads, ‘Having been diagnosed with Dyspraxia and struggling with academia, Sam has always had a deep love of nature and now encourages those with learning difficulties to follow their passions. He volunteered as a Junior Ranger from the age of 8 and began volunteering at nature reserves and working as a tree planter. His love of trees grew along with his knowledge of native tree species and wildflowers, and he works at the Tree Nursery in St Asaph.’

Joel Walley, Lead Officer Ecology & Biodiversity, said: “We are all really, really proud of Sam for getting this amazing recognition for his commitment and dedication to preserving, nurturing and increasing our local nature’s resilience at our tree nursery.

“He is extremely passionate and hard working towards giving nature the support it needs in Denbighshire and has been integral in building a fantastic volunteer community at the nursery.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, added: “I know Sam works very hard to help protect and preserve the local trees and plants we have in Denbighshire, and this is fitting recognition for his passion and perseverance for preserving what we have on our lands across the county for future young generations to enjoy.”

The awards ceremony will take place on18th November in Bristol, where the winners will be announced.