DDC hosted a prize giving ceremony on Saturday 25 April in the Billiards Room at Kearsney Abbey, to reward some of our community’s local environmental heroes.
The REACH Awards (Recognising Environmental and Community Heroes) recognise our district’s unsung heroes who work hard to improve the appearance of the Dover District, helping to maintain our environment and unite the local community.
They are supported by Veolia, DDC’s waste management contractor.
Split into four different categories, the scheme acknowledges those individuals and groups who work tirelessly to make a difference, as well as local businesses and schools who are putting the environment at the top of their agenda.
The awards were free to enter, and candidates could nominate themselves or be nominated by others across four categories. Many worthy entries were received for the panel of judges at DDC to review, and the winners in each category are:
- Community Project of the Year Award – Branching Out, Temple Ewell
- Green Organisation of the Year Award – Sandown School, Deal
- Litter Picker of the Year (over 18 category) – Sue and Alan Smith
- Junior Litter Picker of the Year (under 18 category) – Nevaeh McKeown
When considering the winners for each category, the judges were looking for a clear passion and a consistent focus on making a difference.
Presenting the awards, DDC Chairman, Cllr Susan Beer, said: “It was wonderful to meet some of our district’s environmental and community heroes, and an honour to present these awards.
“There were many deserving nominations this year and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry. The awards are judged on inspiration, achievement and environmental/community impact. I would like to acknowledge all our local volunteers, community groups, schools and businesses for all the incredible work they do to help make our district a cleaner, greener and better place to live.”
David Fitzgerald, Divisional Head of Municipal Operations, Veolia UK said: "It is wonderful to celebrate those across the Dover District who go above and beyond for their local environment and we were proud to sponsor and help judge this year’s REACH Awards.
“As DDC's environmental partner, caring for the environment is at the heart of everything we do in Dover, from managing recycling and waste, to keeping the streets and beaches clean. The passion and dedication shown by this year's winners and nominees is truly inspiring, and we congratulate them all for the incredible difference they make."
Notes to editors
This is the fifth year of DDC’s REACH Awards.
Individuals, organisations and groups are recognised for activities that help to make our district a clean and greener place to live such as organising litter picks, reducing the amount of paper and plastic that they use, recycling, upcycling, and reusing items such as furniture and clothes.
For local organisations, the judges were looking for any business within the district that has taken action to have a positive impact on the environment and the community they serve.
The community project looks to recognise and celebrate the work of a community or individual/group of local volunteers who are working hard to improve the district. This could be, for example, offering accessible services, hosting litter picks or building a community hub, making a difference to the lives of local people.
For anyone inspired by our REACH award winners, there’s further information on how to get involved in litter picking our local area at Community Clean Ups
Pictured: DDC Chairman, Cllr Susan Beer, together with REACH Award winners: Left to right: representatives from Sandown Primary School, Nevaeh McKeown and members of Branching Out.
Branching Out is a day care provider for adults with a wide range of learning difficulties. Their extensive range of activities within the village community, are inspiring.
- When the Friday Club for senior citizens closed in 2023, Branching Out decided to run an afternoon tea on the last Friday of each month for the 40 people who attend. At Christmas, they cook a 3 course dinner for them for a nominal fee of £2.50.
- They have tended to the village planter since its inception in 2017, and ensure it remains colourful all year.
- Every time they hold a fundraising event, a donation is made to another village organisation. Last year Tiddlers, the local toddler group, received money towards a new shed for their outside toys.
- Each year they host an Easter egg hunt for Tiddlers in the church and a fundraising event for Macmillan to which over £1000 is annually sent.
- They offer family activity afternoons with crafts, baking and painting. They have an allotment and offer fresh fruit and vegetables to the elderly of the village.
- They provide dinners and cakes to people who can’t get out easily when their needs change.
- Once a month, in conjunction with DDC, they litter pick around the village and regularly collect 10 bags.
- At Christmas they deliver Christmas cards around the village which is so important for some of the more elderly residents.
- They provide a car washing facility which local people regularly use.
Sandown Primary School is based in Deal and the school community nurtures its core values of creativity, independence and collaboration.
- Over the last twelve months, the school has open sessions for every class in school and their families to come along to a ‘Green Zone’ afternoon and spend time together; learning about nature, making craft and artworks using natural materials and showcasing how small actions can make a difference.
- They welcome local nursery groups to join them at a Green Zone and help to foster an enjoyment of being outdoors. The collaboration has included scooping out pumpkin seeds to be dried and put out for the birds, planting seeds and watch them grow over the seasons.
- Each year they take part in the RSPB Big School’s Birdwatch and pupils now recognise common woodland birds and their individual calls.
- Each year group go out into the local community to conduct local litter picks. As part of the Great British Spring Clean, a group of pupils went out with staff in North Deal Community Park.
- One year group used the litter pick as inspiration for their Design and Technology project. They designed and created their own workable litter pickers.
- On our Green Zone site, they have an open sided cabin with tables where they can gather to chat and create craft, made with help from Kent Christchurch College, Canterbury and their woodworking department. They use this all the time as an activity base.
- They already have a date in the diary for discussion about phase two of their partnership. A bridge across the pond!
- They work with many local partners who support their green initiatives.
Sue and Alan Smith
Both Mr and Mrs Smith litter pick areas of Dover nearly every day! They have been doing this for a few years and the amount of rubbish they pick makes a difference to the local community, as they work hard to make the town and its surrounding areas a cleaner place to live.
Nevaeh McKeown
Nevaeh has demonstrated a fantastic commitment to caring for the environment and consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive difference within both her school and the wider community.
- Nevaeh’s enthusiasm and determination contributed to her school successfully collecting an impressive eight bags of rubbish during the Great British Spring Clean. She approached the task with energy and purpose, showing a genuine desire to improve the local environment.
- She has been actively involved in a range of environmental projects within school, particularly those focused on reducing single-use plastics and promoting more sustainable choices. She engages thoughtfully in these initiatives and demonstrates a clear understanding of the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
- Nevaeh has taken part in assemblies where littering and environmental responsibility have been key themes. She listens carefully, reflects on what she has learned, and applies this knowledge in her everyday actions, leading by example.
- What makes Nevaeh particularly deserving of this recognition is her positive attitude and consistent effort. She shows pride in her actions, supports her peers, and contributes meaningfully to creating a cleaner, greener school and community.
Posted on 01 May 2026