New national awards will recognise private land managers who are improving the health of the British countryside.
The Schöffel Countryside Awards is organised by country clothing brand Schöffel Country and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).
At a moment in time when the need to produce food and deliver for nature has never been more crucial, the awards aim to shine a light on the finest examples of ‘working conservation’ and progressive land management across the UK.
“Through these awards, we hope to celebrate the passion and achievements of the people who are going above and beyond for wildlife and the natural environment,” said Schöffel Country’s executive director Marcus Janssen.
“And, by working closely with the GWCT, whose research and training is critical to doing just that, we aim to inspire others to follow suit, engage the disengaged, and bring these success stories to the attention of policymakers.”
Dr Alastair Leake, director of the GWCT’s Allerton Project and member of the awards committee, said: “GWCT has a long history of advising farmers and estate managers how to implement its science-based practical solutions to conservation challenges.
“Nature reserves are important, but given 72% of UK land is farmed, successfully combining food security with biodiversity recovery and climate change mitigation depends on inspiring and supporting these working conservationists. The new awards will showcase the fantastic work of these unsung heroes of conservation.”
Each award category will be judged by a panel made up of a GWCT ecologist or advisor and external experts in relevant fields, including ‘Cheerful Charlie’ Ireland from Clarkson’s Farm, Holkham Estate general manager of conservation Jake Fiennes, CEO of B-hive Innovations Vidyanath Gururajan, and numerous others.
The awards are open for entries until 31 March, and span six categories:
Nature-friendly Farm/Estate of the Year
Innovation in Conservation
Farm-Environment Partnership
Wetland & Watercourse Conservation
Rising Star
Working Conservationist
Entries can be submitted through a dedicated webpage with nominations encouraged from all quarters, whether it be an individual striving to make a difference on a couple of acres, or a collaborative project spanning several farms or estates. The awards ceremony will be held in October 2025.
