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Guidance

Ministry of Defence Sanctuary Awards

The annual Sanctuary Awards recognise outstanding conservation and sustainability efforts across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) estate.

Updates to this page

From:
Ministry of Defence and Defence Infrastructure Organisation
Published:
19 February 2021
Last updated:
5 October 2026
Show all updates

  1. Shortlist for the 2026 Sanctuary Awards added.

  2. Longlisted nominees added.

  3. Updated to reflect nominations are now closed.

  4. Information about submitting nominations for the 35th Sanctuary Awards 2026 has been added.

  5. Added live stream registration link and updated award categories.

  6. 'Ministry of Defence Sanctuary Awards' updated.

  7. Updated information on the 34th Sanctuary Awards 2025.

  8. Added video link for the 33rd Sanctuary Awards and announced categories for the 34th Sanctuary Awards.

  9. Updated information on the 33rd Sanctuary Awards 2024.

  10. Nominations for the 33rd Sanctuary Awards 2023 will open 12 June 2023 9am.

  11. Notification that nominations for Sanctuary 2022 are now closed.

  12. Addition of note on how to submit an entry via the new portal for 2022.

  13. Attachment removed as this is no longer required for submission of awards 2022. Last paragraph removed as the information is now out of date.

  14. Updating website with Sanctuary Award results 2021

  15. Launch of Sanctuary Award nominations 2022

  16. Added: 2021 Sanctuary Awards Winners section

  17. Updated content under 'Selecting a winner' heading.

  18. Page updated as nominations for Sanctuary Awards 2021 are now closed.

  19. Updated content on sustainable procurement and construction award under heading 'Award Categories'.

  20. Updated the page for 2021 applications and entries.

  21. Added a link to the live streaming of the awards ceremony.

  22. First published.

The Sanctuary Awards have been recognising outstanding conservation and sustainability efforts across the MOD estate since 1991.

The awards celebrate and encourage group and individual efforts that benefit sustainable development, environmental and heritage conservation, utilities and resource-saving measures, sustainable construction and procurement or community awareness on land or property that the MOD owns or uses in the UK and overseas.

35th Sanctuary Awards 2026: Shortlisted entries

Winners will be announced on 17 November 2026. You can sign up for the free Sanctuary Awards 2026 live feed online.

Many congratulations to the 14 projects that have been shortlisted for the 35th Sanctuary Awards 2026:

  • 507 Specialist Team Royal Engineers – A1 Steam trust, Darlington Railhead Construction Project (A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Darlington)
  • AA Wick Marsh Ranges (AA (Wick Marsh) Ranges, Fingringhoe, Colchester)
  • Aldershot’s Training Area – sustaining military capability (Aldershot Military Fieldcraft Training Areas)
  • Barton Stacey Flyfishing Club (Barton Stacey Training Area)
  • Beckingham Cadet Training Centre – sustainable construction (Army HQ, Andover)
  • Devonport Open Days (HMNB Devonport)
  • Group Captain Maurice Dixon (RAF Leeming and RAF High Wycombe)
  • Sq Ldr Don Earl (RAF High Wycombe)
  • Exercise Druid Sacrifice (RAF Valley)
  • Find it in Plymouth – supply chain resilience at Devonport (HMNB Devonport)
  • FuelActive – cleaner fuel for Team Leidos’ fleet (Defence Fulfilment Centre, DM Beith, MOD Bicester, JHC FS Aldergrove, MOD Kineton, MOD Longtown, DM Gosport, HMNB Portsmouth)
  • Lydd Ranges Sea Defence Project (Lydd Ranges)
  • Project Life (National Armaments Director Group Bicester)
  • SPINNERET – microgrids for operational energy (MOD Bovington Camp)

Nominations were sought in the following categories:

  • Climate Change Resilience Award – projects or activities focused on taking action to enhance climate resilience through adaption.
  • Energy Award – for energy of fuel projects that decrease energy demand, increase energy efficiency and/or increase energy resilience through sustainability.
  • Environmental Enhancement Award – projects focused on wildlife, biodiversity, environmental research, or tackling pollution or contamination issues.
  • Heritage Award – projects focused on archaeology, historic buildings, historic parks or gardens, landscape preservation, museum collections, or heritage education or public engagement.
  • Individual Achievement Award – any individual who has made a significant personal contribution to MOD’s sustainability or conservation ambitions.
  • Social Impact Award – grass-roots sustainability projects focusing on community engagement, green spaces, wellbeing or facilitating public access.
  • Sustainability Improvement Award – for projects that demonstrate sustainability improvements through implementation of circular economy principles (including reducing resource consumption or waste and recycling), sustainable procurement, sustainable construction or refurbishment projects, and improvements in equipment or systems through eco design.

The Operational Capability Award will be chosen from the shortlisted nominations and awarded to the project which best delivers enhanced operational capability through sustainability and climate considerations.

And the Silver Otter Trophy will be chosen from the category winners and awarded to the best Establishment, Conservation Group or community led project or individual conservation effort on the MOD estate.

For queries please email: DIO-Sanctuary@mod.gov.uk

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