The Emsden Trophy, for contribution to conservation in Kent, was awarded to Peter Lingham & Partners and conservation charity, Plantlife, for their combined efforts managing 250ha arable farmland, ancient woodland and chalk grassland at Ranscombe Farm, near Rochester.
Andrew Lingham, owner of Peter Lingham & Partners, has a no till crop establishment, with arable cover cropping and mob grazing of stock. Mr Lingham has also reduced energy use and uses soil biology to work better for crops.
Nominees for the Emsden Trophy are selected by the Kent FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group). Paul Cobb, at Kent FWAG, said: “The co-operation between Ranscombe Project Manager, Richard Moyse, and farmer Andrew Lingham is a great example of how conservation management advice can help a working farm protect rare species.”
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The CLA Woodland Trophy, for outstanding service to forestry and land management in Kent, was presented to Aubrey Furner. Mr Furner, who has been at the forefront of arboriculture in Kent for more than thirty years, made significant contributions through his work on highway tree inspections and school tree inspections for Kent County Council and Jacobs Babtie.
The Edward Hardy trophy was awarded to Ranscombe Farm volunteer, Steve Wright. Mr Wright was commended for his willingness to lead volunteer task days and his development of new initiatives to make woodlands wildlife-rich, productive and valued within local communities.
The Woodreave Trophy was presented jointly to Brendan Maher and Craig Scott. The award aims to recognise young individuals in Kent for outstanding achievements in their learning and study of woodland and forestry. Brendan was nominated for his strong academic performance, and Craig for his green wood working skills and design skills.
The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Viscount De L’Isle, presented the trophies to the winners of the forestry and conservation awards at a CLA reception during the Kent County Show. Pictured above (left to right): Aubrey Furner, Steve Wright, Robin Edwards (CLA), Andrew Lingham, Richard Moyse, Viscount De L’Isle, Craig Scott, Brendan Maher.
