RAF St Mawgan has been recognised for its efforts encouraging nature to thrive.

The airbase was runner up in the nature recovery leadership category at the 23rd annual Cornwall Sustainability Awards, which was held at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth on Friday, December 6.

Since 2021, RAF St Mawgan has led biodiversity initiatives across the Ministry of Defence estate in the Southwest.

Partnering with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Buglife, and the National Wildflower Centre, the station became the first military site in the region to implement No Mow May on an industrial scale. Their efforts have reduced herbicide use, saved fuel, and created thriving habitats for bees, butterflies, wildflowers and hedgehogs.

The Cornwall Sustainability Awards, which were hosted by Justin Olosunde of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Climate Commission, celebrated the region’s most sustainable organisations.

A small contingent of RAF St Mawgan personnel accepted the award alongside Wing Commander Helen Simpson, Station Commander of RAF St Mawgan and Sarah Kretowicz, station health and safety officer and author of the submission.

The evening featured speeches from Jane Hartley, Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall, councillor Rob Nolan, the chairperson of Cornwall Council, and Paloma Hermoso of Ward Williams. Conservationist Sacha Dench, known as The Human Swan, delivered the keynote address, inspiring guests with her call to action on biodiversity and climate. Our Only World was named the winner of the nature recovery leadership category.

Wing Commander Helen Simpson said: “This award recognises the collective commitment of our personnel, partners and community.

“Together, we have shown that military sites can be places where nature flourishes and future generations enjoy a richer, more sustainable environment.”

A spokesperson for RAF St Mawgan added: “The Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2025 once again highlighted Cornwall’s leadership in building a greener, more resilient future.”