Richard Waddingham Award celebrates Norfolk’s farming ponds and wildlife
The late Richard Waddingham of Manor Farm, Briston understood the importance of water in the landscape and recognised that, when managed properly, ponds can support a rich variety of native wildlife, even in areas of intensive agriculture. He was an inspiration to pond conservation and management in Norfolk and, as the influence behind the efforts of Carl Sayer and Helen Greaves from the Norfolk Ponds Project and University College London, it is fitting that the pond conservation award bears his name in honour of his legacy.
Judging the 2025 Richard Waddingham Award
To judge the finalists for the 2025 Richard Waddingham Award, two FWAG members and two external judges visited a series of ponds across Norfolk at the beginning of October. The finalists were:
- Roy and Janet Dunning of Woodton Farm, Bungay
- Gavin and Jane Lane of Manor Farm, Tittleshall
The judges were highly impressed by both farms they visited. Each demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing farmland ponds and the wider farmed environment, reflecting the spirit of Richard Waddingham’s work.
2025 Winners: Roy and Janet Dunning, Woodton Farm, Bungay
Roy and Janet Dunning, together with their son Alan, have shown remarkable dedication to restoring and managing the ponds across Woodton Farm. Many of the restoration works have been carried out without external grant aid or formal encouragement and have been driven purely by their personal passion for wildlife and their desire to see ponds flourish with life once again.
This self-motivated stewardship reflects a profound understanding of the importance and value of farmland habitats. Over the years, their consistent efforts have benefitted a host of farmland wildlife through pond restoration and carefully chosen agri-environment schemes. Their work demonstrates how determined, wildlife-focused farming can transform ponds into thriving, resilient habitats at the heart of the farmed landscape.
Roy and Janet’s dedication, initiative, and persistence make them worthy winners of this year’s award. They celebrated their achievement at the 2025 Norfolk Landscapes Conference, where they received their awards from Tony Juniper and Carl Sayer.
Highly Commended: Gavin and Jane Lane, Manor Farm, Tittleshall
We also extend our congratulations to Gavin and Jane Lane of Manor Farm, Tittleshall, who received the Highly Commended Richard Waddingham Award. Their recent pond restorations and wider conservation work demonstrate a strong, forward-looking approach to enhancing farmland biodiversity in Norfolk.
The judges were greatly impressed by the work carried out at Manor Farm, Tittleshall. Despite some of the ponds having been restored only last year, they already support an impressive diversity of aquatic and marginal plant species. Encouraged by these early successes, Gavin and Jane have ambitious plans to restore additional ponds across their land. This long-term vision ensures that the farm continues to provide ecological benefits for many years to come.
Their dedication to conservation extends beyond pond restoration: the farm also benefits from an extensive agri-environment scheme, which includes wide grassy margins and the planting of new hedgerows. These measures strengthen habitat connectivity and provide valuable corridors for wildlife, demonstrating a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture and the long-term enhancement of biodiversity across their land. In recognition of this work to enhance ponds and wildlife across the farm, they received the Highly Commended Richard Waddingham Award.
Looking ahead: Pond conservation in Norfolk
We extend our thanks to all participants in the 2025 award. Farmers, landowners, and conservation partners contributing to pond conservation efforts across Norfolk are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Richard Waddingham Award, helping to champion farmland ponds, wildlife, and sustainable land management across the county.
To enquire about applying for the 2026 Richard Waddingham Award, please contact abigail@norfolkfwag.co.uk.