Outstanding contributions to conservation and the forestry and woodland sector have been recognised at a CLA awards ceremony in Kent.
The joint winners of the Emsden Trophy for contribution to conservation in Kent are Peter Lingham & Partners and Plantlife, a conservation charity working to save threatened wildflowers, plants and fungi.
The 250ha Ranscombe Farm near Rochester is Plantlife’s largest nature reserve in England. It includes arable farmland, ancient woodland and chalk grassland and is an important site for rare wildflowers. The site is managed by Plantlife in partnership with Medway Council, with farmer Andrew Lingham providing the grazing and arable management needed to ensure its future.
Andrew Lingham’s commitment to sustainable production has led him into no till crop establishment, arable cover cropping and mob grazing of stock. He has reduced energy use and feedstocks, using soil biology to work better for crops. Pasture fed beef is sold through an on-site butchery and farm shop.
Richard Moyse from Plantlife comments: “Too many people see farmers and conservationists as poles apart. We are delighted to share this award with Andrew Lingham, as it proves how the shared expertise of farmers and conservationists – supported by properly targeted agri-environment funding schemes – can enrich the countryside, produce high quality food and support rural business.”
The winners of the Emsden Trophy are nominated by Kent FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group). Paul Cobb of Kent FWAG comments: “The co-operation between Ranscombe Project Manager Richard Moyse and farmer Andrew Lingham is a great example of how conservation management advice can help a working farm protect rare species such as meadow clary, a plant first found in the UK here in 1699 and still surviving in the same spot.”
The CLA Woodland Trophy, one of three forestry awards presented at the Kent County Show, is awarded to an individual in recognition of outstanding service to forestry and land management in Kent.
This year’s winner is Aubrey Furner who has been at the forefront of arboriculture in Kent for more than thirty years. He has made a significant contribution through his work on highway tree inspections and school tree inspections for Kent County Council and Jacobs Babtie, as well as helping train many junior colleagues.
Steve Wright, the winner of the Edward Hardy trophy, was nominated for his work as a contractor and volunteer at the Ranscombe Farm Reserve. The trophy recognises his extremely high standards of work, knowledge, willingness to give up his time to lead volunteer task days and a vocation to development new initiatives to make woodlands wildlife-rich, productive and valued within local communities.
The Woodreave Trophy, which awards young individuals based in Kent for outstanding achievements within their learning and study of woodland and forestry, was presented jointly to Brendan Maher and Craig Scott, who are both apprentices with Kent Woodland Employment Scheme. Brendan was nominated for his strong academic performance and Craig, for his green wood working skills and design skills.
Robin Edwards, CLA Director South East said: “The winners of these awards are an important reminder of the many benefits which are delivered to our wider society by those working in the forestry and farming sector, from conservation to education, and we congratulate all of them on their outstanding achievements.”
