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 Silver Lapwing Award, which is now in its 42nd year. Hole Farm, 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.
Charles Inglis said on winning the award:
“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”.
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.
The celebrations this year coincided with the FWAG Associations 50th Anniversary. To celebrate this Anniversary the FWAG Association will be releasing a series of short videos on social media throughout the year, celebrating the associations’ history and showcasing the diverse range of supporters that FWAG has.
Around 100 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 Castletown Estate, which includes 2500 acres of farmed salt marsh, highlighting some of the reasons why the farm won the Silver Lapwing Award in 2018.
About the FWAG Silver Lapwing Award:
To win this prestigious and longstanding award, a farm has to demonstrate a real commitment to species and habitat conservation and be able to show how they integrate their environmental management in 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.