The UK Landscape Award, supported by Natural England, is now open for nominations.

The awards are designed to showcase the ways in which communities are involved with landscapes and to highlight the landscape projects that are transforming how communities work. All types of landscape are eligible for the awards - be they in urban areas, open countryside, coast or farmland - and the competition is open to community groups, local authorities, charities and non-governmental organisations. Entries close on 27 August.

Helen Phillips, Natural England chief executive, said: "All landscapes matter. Whether a new town square, a restored coastal path or a regeneration scheme centred on public space, landscapes have an enormous impact on how a community works. "The awards are an opportunity to showcase work that will inspire others and demonstrate the value and importance of landscapes across the UK."

After regional heats to identify the best regional landscape projects, an overall UK winner will be announced at the European Landscape Convention Conference to be held in Liverpool at the beginning of November. The winner will go forward as the UK's entry to the 'Landscape Award of the Council of Europe', which will be decided by the Council of Europe in March 2011.

Pic: Gad Cliff, Dorset. Courtesy of Jim Champion