Schöffel and GWCT partner up to launch new awards

The GWCT has joined forces with clothing brand Schöffel Country to launch a new national award celebrating the UK’s “working conservationists”. 

The Schöffel Country Awards will recognise private land managers who are improving the health of the British countryside. They aim to highlight the finest examples of “working conservation and progressive land management across the UK”. 

Schöffel Country executive director Marcus Janssen said: “By working closely with the GWCT, whose research and training is critical to doing just that, we aim to inspire others to follow suit, engage the disengaged and bring these success stories to the attention of policymakers.” 

Dr Alastair Leake, director of the GWCT’s Allerton Project, added that, given 72% of UK land is farmed, “successfully combining food security with biodiversity recovery and climate change mitigation depends on inspiring and supporting these working conservationists. These new awards will showcase the fantastic work of these unsung heroes on conservation”. 

Each award category will be judged by a panel made up of a GWCT geologist or adviser and external experts in relevant fields, including Holkham Estate general manager of conservation Jake Fiennes and “Cheerful Charlie” Ireland from Clarkson’s Farm. 

The awards are open for nominations until 31 March and an awards ceremony will be held in October 2025.