A PROJECT to improve the South Pennines landscape and boost people’s involvement in the environment has been shortlisted for a coveted global award.

The South Pennines Watershed Landscape initiative is among 34 British and international schemes battling it out in the annual Landscape Institute Awards.

It is among the finalists in the communications and presentations category.

The three-year Watershed Landscape project – managed by rural regeneration company Pennine Prospects – tells the story of the South Pennines through a number of activities based on science, archaeology and creative arts.

Artists in residence – including Worth Valley photographer and film-maker Simon Warner – have conducted workshops in schools, community centres and on the moors.

On the moorland above Riddlesden, volunteers have carried out the Carved Stones Investigation project – also shortlisted for an accolade, in the English Heritage Angel Awards.

Pennine Prospects chairman, Pam Warhurst, said: “I am so proud that it has been recognised at this level.”

Noel Farrer, president of the Landscape Institute, says the standard of entries this year is outstanding.

“I have been taken aback by just how good they are,” he said.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 27.