REACH Awards 2025
DDC launched the fourth year of its popular REACH Awards as part of the Council's support of Keep Britain Tidy's Great British Spring Clean Campaign in March 2025. This year the awards were sponsored by Eco Green Communities.
The REACH Awards (Recognising Environmental and Community Heroes) recognises our district’s unsung heroes who work hard to improve the appearance of the Dover District, helping to maintain our environment while uniting the local community.
Split into four different categories, the scheme acknowledges those individuals and groups who work tirelessly to make a difference, as well as local businesses who are putting the environment at the top of their agenda.
The awards were free to enter, and candidates could nominate themselves or others in the four categories.
The 2025 REACH Award winners are:
COMMUNITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR:
Dover Swap Shop run entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers from the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, the Dover Swap Shop is a powerful example of how small, volunteer-led projects can have a big impact on both sustainability and social wellbeing.
Founded in 2018 by Lizzie Holt, the initiative was inspired by the need to offer local families a place to exchange children's clothes, toys, books and more. The goal was simple: to reduce waste, save families money and build connections within the community.
What began as a small idea at the local charity Bechange has since grown into a thriving event held every other month at Beaconsfield Church Hall.
The Swap Shop has become an essential resource, especially in light of the rising cost of living.
Helping families to swap items they no longer needed, allowing them to refresh their children's wardrobes, access new books and toys, and avoid the waste of items being sent to landfill.
This initiative also creates a space for families to meet, share experiences and build relationships, strengthening the fabric of the community.
Upon winning the award Lizzie said:
"Thank you to all the volunteers without them Dover Swap Shop would not be possible".
GREEN ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR:
Temple Ewell CEP believes that climate education is not a one-off project — it’s a mindset and a movement. Their staff, pupils, and families have come together to create a culture where sustainability is second nature.
They’re proud that pupils are not only learning about climate action — they are leading it. Through their creativity, compassion and commitment, they have demonstrated that even a small school can make a big difference.
Pupils have collected natural materials to create a thriving bug hotel near St Peter and St Paul’s Church, fostering habitats for insects and promoting hands-on nature learning.
They have tackled marine pollution by creating animal sculptures made from recycled materials, delivering assemblies and recording mini-films to share their learning across the school.
Pupils have also curated environmental books for class libraries to ensure ongoing impact. Some have visited a Nepalese community farm in Postling, where they explored crop growing, soil sustainability and food systems. They planted seeds, met members of the Nepalese community, and engaged with issues of global farming and sustainability — bringing together environmental science and cultural learning.
Through creative curriculum days and a Dragon’s Den-style pitch event, pupils explored water sustainability and safety. Year 6 pupils designed inventions to conserve water and reflected on river safety through artwork and discussion. These activities embedded environmental understanding through problem-solving and innovation.
Upon winning the award a representative said:
"Thank you, there has been fantastic co-operation and commitment between the school, pupils and governors placing environment and
climate at the heart of what we do".
LITTER PICKER OF THE YEAR:
Shane Lamoon has been cleaning the area of Tower Hamlets for years and supports the town in many ways. He regularly litter picks and he cleans up around the children’s play area and football area at the local park in Northbourne Avenue. This is cleared up on a regular basis and he also reports anything to the appropriate people if necessary.
Upon winning the award Shane said:
"Thank you to everyone from the Tower Hamlets Forum, Councillor Pam Brivio and Veolia Environmental Services for their support”.
JUNIOR LITTER PICKER OF THE YEAR:
Florence Warburton was nominated for her dedication to keeping where she lives litter free and engaging with the community where she lives. She was described as an inspiration to young and older people in Ash.
Florence keeps the village looking beautiful, ensuring it is clean, tidy and a safe haven for precious wildlife. Come rain or shine, Florence has attended every community litter pick event in the village and enjoys being with people who share her passion.
We are looking to run the Awards again next year, so if you know a community or environmental hero, please be sure to nominate them in 2026.
Previous winners:
To view the 2022 winners, please click here.
To view the 2023 winners, please click here.
To view the 2024 winner, please click here.