Top 5 Sustainable Farmers in 2024: Environmental Champion of the Year – Find out who made the cut!
Our three Environmental Champion finalists are leading the way in promoting biodiversity across their farming businesses. David and Helen Brass of The Lakes Free Range Egg Company in Cumbria, Simon and John Martin of Nunton Farm in Wiltshire, and Andrew, Tracey, and Robert Speed of Briddicott Farm in Somerset are all making significant contributions to environmental sustainability.
David and Helen Brass have been pioneers in tree planting and carbon sequestration for over 30 years. They have planted over 250,000 trees on their own farms and require their contracted farmers to develop biodiversity action plans. Their commitment to renewable energy and environmental practices, such as biomass heating and solar panels, is commendable.
Simon and John Martin are stewarding a site of special scientific interest on their dairy farm in Wiltshire. They maintain traditional water meadows for youngstock grazing and have implemented innovative practices to enhance biodiversity. Their use of rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and conservation grazing demonstrates their commitment to sustainability.
The Speed family at Briddicott Farm in Somerset have dedicated over 50% of their 1,000ha farm to environmental schemes. They are actively involved in habitat restoration, native breed conservation, and promoting biodiversity. Their strategic management of the landscape and commitment to restoring native heathland is truly inspiring.
Each of these finalists has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. They are leading by example in promoting biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of their farming businesses. The judges were impressed by their innovative practices, dedication to conservation, and passion for the environment.
The Farmers Weekly Environmental Champion of the Year award, sponsored by Environment Bank, recognizes the outstanding contributions of these finalists in championing environmental sustainability in agriculture.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.