Local schools, volunteers and parish councils across Northamptonshire have been recognised for their work strengthening flood resilience and nature-based solutions at the inaugural Flood & Toast – Resilience & Innovation Community Awards.
The awards, organised by the RAIN Project (Resilience and Innovation Northants), celebrated practical action across the Harpers Brook and Wootton Brook catchments. Winners ranged from primary schools and farmers to volunteers and parish councils supporting residents during flood events.
The event brought together community groups, local authorities and environmental organisations to highlight the people quietly driving flood resilience, climate education and natural flood management across the county.
Recognising practical action on the ground
One of the most competitive categories was the Climate-Resilient Schools Award, sponsored by the Environment Agency. Oakley Vale Primary School received Gold for its approach to flood education, including assemblies, tree planting and the installation of sustainable drainage system planters. Woodland View Primary School received Silver, while Wootton Primary School was awarded Bronze.
Young Resilience Champion went to Tommy Brumpton, who designed and built a RAIN garden as part of a home-schooling project. Meanwhile, Wild About Wootton received the Nature’s Champion Group Award for its work improving biodiversity across the Wootton catchment.
Several awards focused on community support during flood events. Paula Addision-Pettit and Steph Beckett, from Brigstock Village, were recognised with the Community Friend Award for their ongoing support of residents at Harpers Court sheltered housing. The People’s Choice Award was presented to Nick Perkins for helping elderly neighbours during floods, despite his own home being affected.
Farming, parish councils and long-term leadership
Flood resilience on farmland was also recognised. Hugh Shrive received the Flood Resilient Farmer Award for work including wetland creation and cover cropping, while Steve Armstrong received a special mention for long-standing leadership on natural flood management in Wootton.
East Hunsbury Parish Council received the Parish Support Award for its collaborative approach to property flood resilience, community planting and natural flood management schemes.
The Mentor Award was presented to Bruce Durham, of Harborough Woodlands, for his leadership in community flood resilience and support for communities facing flood risk.
Sarah Parr, project manager for the RAIN Project, said the awards highlighted everyday actions that collectively make a difference. She said the event celebrated “the kindness, innovation and community spirit that defines flood resilience work”, adding that small, consistent actions help communities become better prepared.
Looking ahead to 2026
The awards were supported by ten project partners and sponsors, including lead sponsor Watertight International. Flood campaigner Mary Long-Dhonau OBE, widely known as Flood Mary, co-hosted the event.
RAIN is now inviting Northamptonshire businesses, organisations and residents to get involved in future natural flood management projects and the 2026 Flood & Toast Awards. The project is also seeking volunteers to help lead local flood action groups across the county.
The RAIN Project is funded by Defra through the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes, managed by the Environment Agency.
