The Rural Stewardship & Conservation Award
Honouring those caring for Britain's land, balancing environmental responsibility, food production and future sustainability.
This award honours those responsible for the long-term care of Britain’s land, balancing environmental responsibility, food production and future sustainability for generations to come.
The winning entry shows that stewardship and a working farm or estate are not in opposition; they are the same project, well done.
What judges are looking for
- Long-term land outcomes – biodiversity, soil health, water, carbon, habitat.
- Balance with productive use – food production, employment, commerciality.
- Quality of decision-making – evidence of considered, long-horizon choices.
- Verifiable evidence – baselines, monitoring, third-party assessment.
- Knowledge sharing – willingness to bring the wider sector along.
Who should enter
Farms, estates, conservation-led rural businesses, landowner partnerships, individual land managers – and the businesses delivering stewardship services into the sector.
Entry Tips
- Use specific figures — revenue, %, headcount, acreage, customers served.
- Back claims with evidence: coverage, quotes, accreditations, photos.
- Focus on the last 24 months of performance.
- Read the criteria carefully and answer them directly.
