The winners of the inaugural Schöffel Countryside Awards have been crowned at a ceremony in central London – a celebration of private land managers, farms and partnerships whose dedication to wildlife management and conservation is helping to improve the health of the British countryside.
Led by wildlife charity Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and country clothing brand Schöffel Country, the initiative received more than 80 nominations after it launched in January. From these, 24 finalists from across the UK were shortlisted across six categories.
A panel of judges made up of GWCT ecologists and advisors and external experts in relevant fields, including ‘Cheerful Charlie’ Ireland from Clarkson’s Farm and Holkham Estate General Manager of Conservation Jake Fiennes, spent the summer months visiting the finalists to see their conservation work in action.
Following lengthy deliberations, the judges selected these winners who were presented with their awards at a ceremony hosted by Coutts Landed Estates in London on 3 November:
Working Conservationist Award
Rupert Brewer, Bisterne Estate, Hampshire
This category celebrates an individual who has dedicated much of their life to the conservation of flora and fauna in the British countryside – sponsored by Harrison Spinks.
Nature-Friendly Farm/Estate Award
Cruglas Farm, Ceredigion
This category celebrates farms or estates that have excelled in implementing practices that promote biodiversity and species recovery – sponsored by Oakbank Game & Conservation.
Innovation in Conservation Award
Geoff Eyre, Abney Moor, Derbyshire
This category champions individuals or groups who have developed innovative solutions, technologies or methods that advance agriculture and the natural environment – sponsored by B-hive Innovations.
Farm-Environment Partnership Award
Wiston Estate, Sussex
This category recognises farms that have formed successful partnerships with others, showcasing the positive outcomes of collaboration – sponsored by The Crown Estate.
Wetland & Watercourse Conservation Award
Bisterne Estate, Hampshire
This category focuses on efforts and achievements in creating and restoring wetland habitats and watercourses to the benefit of biodiversity and ecosystems – sponsored by The Atlantic Salmon Trust.
Rising Star Award
Thomas Hilder, Hampshire
This category shines a light on young individuals who are demonstrating an outstanding approach to conservation – sponsored by Pressendye.
The judges also awarded the following finalists with special recognition awards:
- John Hitchcock, from South Yorkshire, was given a Lifetime Achievement in Conservation Award
- Jim and Julia Beary, in Cumbria, were given an Outstanding Contribution to Conservation Award
Marcus Janssen, Schöffel Country’s executive director and also a judge, says: “Since launching these awards in January, we have been repeatedly blown away, not just by the sheer number of nominations, but by the passion, innovation and hard work behind them.
“Travelling the country and meeting these individuals, farms and estates has been a truly humbling experience. Their dedication to producing food while restoring nature is nothing short of inspiring. These are the people quietly making a difference every day in our countryside, and it has been a privilege to recognise their efforts.
“We can’t wait to share their individual stories with you – and hopefully inspire more ‘working conservation’ to take place across our rural landscapes.
“At Schöffel Country, the health of our countryside isn’t just a cause we support – it’s part of who we are. The landscapes that inspire our clothing also sustain our way of life, which is why we’re so proud to work alongside the GWCT in celebrating those who care for them.”
Megan Lock, judge and Senior Farm Environment Advisor for GWCT, says: “The Schöffel Countryside Awards have highlighted the very best examples of progressive private land management across the UK.
“I have been incredibly impressed with the commitment and dedication I have seen on all my judging visits, where individuals and groups have gone above and beyond to deliver benefits for the environment, day in day out and across the country.
“Many of these people go largely unrecognised, while their efforts have an incredibly big and positive impact on nature, wildlife and the rural communities around them. It’s a privilege to be able to celebrate their achievements and share their stories with the wider world.”
Nick von Westenholz, GWCT’s chief executive officer, says: “These winners and finalists have shown that conservation and food production are not opposing forces, but can work hand in hand. Through the use of evidence and collaboration, these ‘working conservationists’ are delivering tangible, on-the-ground results for wildlife. Their incredible efforts embody exactly what the GWCT stands for: practical, science-led conservation carried out by those who live and work on the land.
“The sheer depth of knowledge, care and long-term commitment shown by these individuals and estates is probably what has impressed me the most. Whether it’s 30 years of meticulous record-keeping on a Welsh hill farm, the restoration of neglected moorland using pioneering techniques, or the quiet dedication of someone who has spent a lifetime tending their landscape – these are not designed as headline-grabbing projects, but instead to achieve real-world, positive impacts, founded on place, skill and persistence to deliver results year after year.”
Read the judges' comments on 2025's Schöffel Award winners.
The Schöffel Countryside Awards – in partnership with GWCT – will return in 2026, with the window for nominations opening in January.
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 more than 60 post-doctoral scientists and 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 also has a dedicated professional advisory service to make sure that the results of its research are easily available to farmers, landowners, gamekeepers, and others delivering practical conservation.
For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: ewilliams@gwct.org.uk