Every year Norfolk FWAG looks to promote a farm which has embraced conservation actions, whilst maintaining a commercial farming business. We are always pleased to see the amazing work being done to protect our precious environment, even with the constraints of a busy farming year.
2025 was no exception, and at our Norfolk Landscapes Conference on 29th November, we were pleased to consider the entries for the 2025 award and present the winner with the coveted Ian MacNicol Memorial Trophy.
The winner of the award for 2025 went to James Tallowin, of Willow Farm Hickling.
At Willow Farm, the judges were impressed by the range of grassland and fen habitats managed by the farm for biodiversity, where an amazing array of wildlife has been recorded. In addition, the farm manages a busy commercial arable and poultry farm, whilst recognising their responsibilities to protecting neighbouring nature reserves. The farm are keen to balance the needs of their crops with the needs of the environment, and therefore manages its use of inorganic fertlisers carefully. The farm also undertakes a number of educational visits on farm to explore the history of farming in the area, using an old converted barn, and has created a permissive access path for local villagers to help bypass a busy road. They are deserving winners of the 2025 award.
The runner up of the award was Shon Meale, of Grange Farm Lessingham.
For Shon’s farm the judges liked the fact that he has put a lot of effort into making the environment good for wildlife, through the creation of a lake and wet grassland, and the installation of bird boxes. The farm has been in Countryside Stewardship for a number of years, and has provided grassland for sheep grazing or hay cutting, surrounded by high hedges cut on a long rotation. This has been a wonderful habitat for hunting Barn Owls and other birds. Alongside this dedication to the environment of the farm, Shon has diversified his business by providing a caravan park and caravan storage, coupled with permissive access routes to the local village. The intention overall is to create a destination for eco-tourism. The judges also liked the fact that Shon has offered his farm for wildlife photography and other local groups, and has intention to upgrade a community barn to increase this offering. Shon is a worthy winner of the runner-up award.
The final entry for 2025 was Robert Beevor, of Hillfield Nursey Thorpe-next-Haddiscoe, who was Highly Commended.
The judges liked the fact that Hillfield Nursey have a dedicated commitment to conservation and the environment across their farm and nursey. They liked the dedication of Robert to the development of his species rich grasslands, and use of native seed. The judges were pleased that the nursery and farm has a strong commitment to the conservation of a wide range of orchard crop varieties, and the responsible usage of crop protection products where needed. Habitats across the farm and nursery are well managed, with best practice in mind. The farm has a diversified business, with plant nursery, café, and pick your own fruit growing. They are looking into a range of options for water storage, to make their business more resilient in the future. The judges felt this was a good example of dedication and commitment to the right ideals.
A very well done to all our entrants this year, and a big thanks to Anglain Water for sponsoring this award!
👉 Are you the next winner?
Norfolk FWAG is now seeking nominations for the 2026 Conservation Award! If you, or a farm you know, is successfully balancing commercial food production with dedicated nature conservation by actively managing the environment in a positive way, we want to hear from you.