Chris has a lotto good news!

Skydancer works with schools and local communities across the north of England to help save the hen harrier, England’s most threatened breeding bird of prey.

The project has won the education category in this year’s National Lottery Awards, the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects, after amassing 7,587 public votes.

Springwatch presenter Chris joined children on the United Utilities Bowland Estate for a moorland discovery tour, which aims to raise awareness of hen harriers and ways they can be preserved.

He said: “Saving hen harriers is a cause very close to my own heart and I’m delighted that Skydancer has won a National Lottery Award. Hen harriers are beautiful birds but not enough people have had the chance to see one.

“Today I had chance to visit one of only three hen harrier nests in the country and join in with the children as they learned all about the bird. It’s great to see young people enjoying learning about this important part of wildlife in their area and playing their part in safeguarding their environment.”

Blánaid Denman, who has run Skydancer since it began in 2011, said winning the award and being recognised nationally is an amazing achievement:

“We are over the moon that so many people have voted for us. We are highlighting the plight of hen harriers in England and providing opportunities for young people to learn about the environment and wildlife in their local upland area at the same time. National Lottery players should be proud of the difference their money is making.”

The achievements of Skydancer will be celebrated at a ceremony to be broadcast on BBC One on September 19. The charity will also receive a £2,000 cash prize to spend on its project as well as a coveted National Lottery Awards trophy.