Charles Inglis' parents-in-law Robin and Rose Carver, pictured in the middle, collected the award
A NORFOLK farmer has been recognised by the farming and conservation industry for his outstanding efforts to promote good habitat and environmental management on his farm.
Charles Inglis was awarded the highly-coveted Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group National Silver Lapwing Award, which is now in its 42nd year.
He said: “What an honour to be presented with the Silver Lapwing Award, particularly against such stiff competition. It is a special moment for myself and my parents-in-law Robin and Rose Carver, this will motivate us to continue our conservation work at Hole Farm.”
“We are so thrilled and very proud to have been presented this award which will be in pride of place for the next year.”
Hole Farm, Norfolk, was awarded from a national shortlist of seven farms, each selected for demonstrating outstanding commitment to good environmental practices, alongside running successful farm businesses.
The 2019 FWAG Silver Lapwing Award was presented to Robin Carver (Charles’ father-in-law) on Monday 17th June 2019 by Charles Beaumont, Silver Lapwing head judge, Martin Hole, Silver Lapwing judge, and Duncan Sinclair, partner and agriculture manager for Waitrose & Partners.
This year the award ceremony was hosted by the 2018 Silver Lapwing winner Giles Mounsey-Heysham, and his son Toby Mounsey-Heysham, at Castletown Farm, Cumbria.
Among the guests at the awards was Jennie Stafford, an advisor for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) which works in close partnership with FWAG.
She said: “It is great to hear The Silver Lapwing Award continues to recognise and reward forward-thinking farmers who integrate conservation so brilliantly within their commercial farming enterprises. The pleasure and pride they gain from seeing the response of wildlife to the variety of habitats they manage was evident throughout the day.”
The award recognises farmers who go the extra mile to protect and enhance the countryside in which they farm.
The judges commented that the competition was incredibly high this year and for the first time in Silver Lapwing history, the judges awarded two equal runners-up. David and Katherine Butler of East Wick Farm, Wiltshire and John & John Billington of Adbaston Hall and Kemsey Manor, Shropshire.
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