A farmer has been recognised by the farming and conservation industry for his outstanding efforts to promote good habitat and environmental management on his farm.
Giles Mounsey-Heysham, from Cumbria, pictured above, was awarded the highly-coveted ‘Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) National Silver Lapwing Award’, in conjunction with GWCT and LEAF.
The award, now in its 41st year, recognises farmers who go the extra mile to protect and enhance the countryside in which they farm. Giles was awarded from a national shortlist of seven farms, each selected for demonstrating outstanding commitment to good environmental practices, alongside running successful farm businesses.
Head of advisory services at GWCT Roger Draycott said: “The FWAG Silver Lapwing Award recognises excellence in farming and wildlife conservation - and to win it is a fantastic achievement. The GWCT warmly congratulates Giles Mounsey-Heysham of Castletown Estate Farms on their success.”
The 2018 FWAG Silver Lapwing Award was presented to Giles Mounsey-Heysham on Thursday 21st June 2018 by Charles Beaumont, Silver Lapwing head judge, Martin Hole, Silver Lapwing judge, and Duncan Sinclair, agriculture manager for Waitrose. This year, the award ceremony was jointly hosted by Suffolk FWAG and the 2017 Silver Lapwing winner Edward Flatt, at Edward’s farm in Suffolk.
Many attendees from all sectors of the British farming and agriculture industry attended the award presentation and lunch. The presentation was followed by a tour of Eastwood Farm, which highlighted some of the reasons why Edward won the Silver Lapwing in 2017.
These groups have helped British farmers for over four decades, providing trusted, independent, environmental advice.
About the FWAG Silver Lapwing Award
The Silver Lapwing is an award for farmers who have demonstrated a commitment to species and habitat conservation and has been able to show how they integrate their environmental management with their overall farm business. Understanding and conserving historic aspects of the farm is also important.
In addition, consideration is given to the farm’s approach to conserving natural resources; this includes good soil management, the protection of water quality and efficient use of water and energy. These are all areas that the judges consider on their tour of the competition finalists.
This is the 10th year the award has been sponsored by Waitrose Farming Partnership and the FWAG Association is very grateful for their support.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk