A new and innovative celebration of the UK’s ‘working conservationists’
Country clothing brand Schöffel Country and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) have come together to launch a new national awards that will recognise private land managers who are improving the health of the British countryside.
At a moment in time when the need to produce food and deliver for nature has never been more crucial, the Schöffel Countryside Awards – in partnership with the GWCT – will 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 on 9 January and span six categories (see below). They are simple to enter through a dedicated webpage and nominations are 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.
The nomination window will be open on 9 January and run until 31 March. Please go to https://www.schoffelcountry.com/pages/countryside-awards to enter yourself or nominate your countryside heroes.