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University lecturer wins Environment Writer of the Year award

A University of Kent lecturer has been named Environment Writer of the Year in an awards ceremony which recognises excellence in home and property-related journalism.

Sarah Lonsdale, who lectures in reporting and writing at the University's new Centre for Journalism, based at its Medway campus, was awarded the prestigious accolade for her 'Greenpiece' articles, a weekly column she has been writing for the Daily Telegraph for the past two and a half years.

The column encourages readers to reduce the environmental impact - particularly carbon emissions - from all aspects of their daily lives. Topics range from reducing energy usage to growing fruit and vegetables in allotments and gardens, and installing renewable energy systems in homes.

At the inaugural Headline Property Awards ceremony, held in London on 12 June, writers from the Times, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times and Observer newspapers won in other categories. Judges from national newspapers and magazines and the property industry examined the work of journalists on shortlists before making their decisions. More than 500 nominations were received for the 15 different award categories.

One judge praised Sarah's work, saying: 'This journalist shows real enthusiasm and dedication to the cause, which shines through the copy.'

Sarah, who has been lecturing at the University for two years, said she was 'absolutely thrilled' to be a winner. 'To be recognised as a leading light in reporting on this major issue is a huge honour,' she said.

'The column has taken a particularly critical stance on the Government's record for combating climate change. Even today, in the face of mounting evidence that irreversible and catastrophic climate change is upon us, there seems to be an almost head-in-the-sand approach from policy makers as to the enormous changes we are going to have to make in our lives over the next few years.'

Last year Sarah made the final shortlist of three writers for the title of Journalist of the Year in the British Environment and Media (BEMA) Awards.

Tim Luckhurst, Professor of Journalism at the University of Kent, said: 'Sarah's excellence as a reporter makes her a brilliant and inspiring teacher for the new generation of multimedia journalists, who will begin learning the profession at our Medway campus from September.'

Earlier this year the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) gave full accreditation to the Centre for Journalism's new degree programme.

Contact: N.J.Ellwood@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 2:37pm 16 June 2008