Staffordshire and Peak District organisations recognised for championing sustainability and local communities

Businesses from across Staffordshire and the Peak District gathered to celebrate their commitment to sustainability, local communities and responsible business at the 2026 Environmental Quality Mark Staffordshire Awards.

Hosted by Environmental Quality Mark Community Interest Company (EQM CIC) at The Deer Park, Hoar Cross, the event recognised organisations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting their local economy, reducing their environmental impact and protecting the distinctive character of the places in which they operate.

The awards welcomed two new Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark award holders and seven new Peak District Environmental Quality Mark award holders into the growing family of accredited organisations.

The Environmental Quality Mark schemes are delivered by EQM CIC on behalf of Staffordshire County Council and the Peak District National Park Authority, recognising businesses and organisations that go above and beyond in caring for people, place and the environment.

EQM CIC Director Faith Johnson said: "The  Environmental Quality Mark awards are a wonderful opportunity to bring together organisations that share a passion for making a positive difference. Every organisation receiving an award has shown a genuine commitment to protecting the environment while supporting local people and local economies.

"We're incredibly grateful to our event sponsors, Clearer Thinking and Boulder Design, whose support helped make the evening such a success. We'd also like to thank The Deer Park for providing such a beautiful venue and excellent hospitality, particularly the fantastic locally sourced food."

"Forest Distillery received their award during the evening so we were delighted they also generously provided the welcome drink for guests. We got to enjoy a signature Forest Gin & Tonic, featuring their award-winning gin crafted from Peak District wild-foraged and organic botanicals – perfect for a sunny summer evening."

Alongside the presentation of new Environmental Quality Mark awards, two long-standing award holders received special engraved wooden plaques, generously sponsored by Access & Inclusion UK, in recognition of more than a decade of commitment to the Environmental Quality Mark and its values.

Phil Mulligan, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority presented the Peak District awards and said: "It’s always a delight to recognise such passionate businesses that are making a positive difference to the environment and the Peak District. They thoroughly deserve their awards."

Staffordshire awards were presented by Diane Roberts of Staffordshire County Council’s Staffordshire Business & Environment Network who said: "It’s marvellous to be part of this celebration of businesses that invest in sustainability as a key part of their success. It’s been a wonderful evening, congratulations to all the new award holders!"

Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark award recipients

• Brampton Museum, Newcastle-under-Lyme
• Barks Holiday Cottage, Oakamoor

Peak District Environmental Quality Mark award recipients

• Babbling Vagabonds, Buxton
• Bernard's Farm, Warslow
• Derbyshire Heritage Walks, Belper
• Forest Distillery, Macclesfield Forest
• LEVEL Centre, Rowsley
• Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon
• Rivendale Lodge Retreat, Ashbourne

Outstanding Contribution Awards

Presented to organisations demonstrating more than ten years' commitment to the Environmental Quality Mark:

• Clearer Thinking, Buxton
• The Servants' Quarters, Buxton