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Every year, we host the Norfolk FWAG Conservation Award at the Norfolk FWAG Annual General Meeting. The winner is awarded the Ian MacNicol Memorial Trophy, which is named after a beloved Norfolk farmer in recognition of his and the Stody Estate’s environmental work.
This Norfolk farming competition is a joyous occasion where the local farming community celebrates all of the remarkable conservation work being carried out by Norfolk farmers. The Farm Conservation Award also acts as a terrific platform for us to demonstrate to the general public and the wider farming industry the incredible work going on in the background, on the fields of Norfolk farms, to preserve and enhance local species, habitats, natural resources and sustainable farming practices.
Being crowned a champion of agri-environmental conservation at these awards is a great honour and to decide, judges will be searching for demonstrable business approaches to conservation and sustainability against the following criteria:
If you’re a farmer who has made great strides to inspire a conservation-minded approach to farming, and you would like to enter the next competition, please get in touch with our team at 01603 814 869 or by email at [email protected]
ALL AWARD APPLICATIONS TO BE SUBMITTED BY FRIDAY 31ST MAY
The Norfolk FWAG Farm Conservation Award for the Ian MacNicol Memorial trophy is presented every year to the farmer – who in the judge’s opinion – has made the most significant contribution to wildlife conservation on their land. Below, read the highlights of the 2023 award ceremony and discover previous winners of this prestigious award.
Norfolk FWAG’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) brought together members and stakeholders, showcasing various projects and initiatives from a range of speakers, and emphasising the importance of conservation and sustainable farming practices in the region.
Nathan Walker, Jordan Sharman, and Clarke Willis underscored the significance of Norfolk FWAG’s renewed energy, delving deeper into the array of services and support that they can offer to the Norfolk agricultural community, celebrating the achievements of the past year and highlighting the exciting upcoming projects.
Glenn Anderson from the Wendling Beck Environment Project was the first guest speaker; explaining the development and importance of landscape recovery, using the Breckland Farmers Wildlife Network Project as an example, Glenn fascinated the attendees with the bespoke nature and practical importance of Landscape Recovery agreements.
Wild East’s founding trustee, Ollie Birkbeck, came next, highlighting the need for a mass undertaking of nature recovery and discussing the first step towards an East Anglia-based solution. Ollie proposed the creation of green corridors, reducing landscape fragmentation and creating a strong natural network using local solutions. However, Ollie’s comments on food security raised eyebrows, prompting reflection on the potential impact of diverting land from food production to wildlife conservation. Despite some concerns, his call for ideas and collaboration with investors hinted at innovative possibilities for the future.
Phil Courtier, the Director of Place at the Broadland and South Norfolk District Council, followed, delving into the intricacies of the Natural Capital Market and nutrient neutrality, unveiling market potential in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and nutrient trading.
Helen Greaves from the University College London was the final speaker, bringing a heartwarming narrative of the Norfolk Ponds Project and sharing a personal history of the late Richard Waddingham. The narrative showcased the positive impact that pond conservation efforts can have on farms, fostering a feel-good atmosphere and perfectly setting the scene for the unveiling of the Richard Waddingham Pond Conservation Award.
The Richard Waddingham Pond Conservation Award was won by Andrew Hill of Malt House Farm for his dedication over the past 30 years to pond restoration and demonstration of the incredible transformative power of ponds, representing values that Richard Waddingham strongly believed in. Malcolm Kemp and Will Armitage were both highly commended for their significant conservation efforts.
The Norfolk FWAG Ian MacNicol Memorial Farm Conservation Award was awarded to James Bucher of Hall Farm for his outstanding conservation work and a remarkable approach to regenerative agriculture; the judges were enamoured by James’ successful intercropping attempts and exceptionally cool soil! Neville Drake and William Dorsey were both highly commended by the judges for their incredible conservation efforts across a range of habitats. This award was kindly presented by Charlie MacNicol, Ian MacNicol’s son, and sponsored by Anglian Water.
Norfolk FWAG’s AGM provided a platform for diverse perspectives, from practical solutions and future funding to the heartwarming stories of successful conservation efforts. It highlighted the organisation’s commitment to guiding farmers toward sustainable practices while navigating the complexities of modern agriculture.