GWCT director of policy and the Allerton Project research Dr Alastair Leake has received the Farmer’s Weekly Lifetime Achievement Award for his work over 25 years developing practical solutions combining productive farming with improved environmental outcomes and disseminating findings through advisory and educational activities. An article in Farmer’s Weekly referred to:
His technical and practical knowledge, intellectual curiosity and rigour, and passion for the subject, which have been instrumental in making Loddington a pioneering blueprint.
Focusing on issues as varied as agri-environment schemes and natural capital accounting, considering soil, water, woodland and environmental habitats, his work has shaped how the nation builds farmland resilience.
Allerton’s many thousands of visitors include businesses, policymakers, NGOs, regulators, farmers, advisors, students and schools.
Ted Beale, partner in Carter Jonas, which sponsored the awards, said: “Our warmest congratulations go to Alastair. Throughout his career, he has made an outstanding contribution to farming and the countryside, not least in showing how productive agriculture and a thriving natural environment can go hand in hand. He has deep technical knowledge and a rare gift for translating complex ideas into solutions that make a difference in practice. He brings clarity and insight, not to mention a genuine passion for his subject. Having personally visited the Allerton Project I’ve seen first-hand the impact and influence of his work. It is a pleasure to celebrate his achievements.”
GWCT chairman Jeremy Finnis, said: “I am never less than impressed by his acuity, breadth of knowledge and practical know-how. The GWCT has been fortunate indeed to benefit from Alastair’s expertise, professionalism and dedication for so many years, not only in pioneering such innovations as flower-rich field margins and the Hedgerow Carbon Code, but also in his work on countryside policy, explaining to those in positions of influence how practical land management can benefit wildlife while producing food efficiently.”
On receiving the Award Alastair said: “This Award is recognition of the importance of the work that we do at Allerton. I have been most fortunate during my time leading the Team at Loddington to have been supported by a number of key individuals. Collectively we have created solutions which others have taken up. To be recognised in such a way from within the farming community is very gratifying.”