The Schöffel Countryside Awards
To celebrate. To inspire. To engage.
The need to produce food and deliver for nature has never been more crucial. Our aim is to highlight the work of those who are improving the health of the British countryside by doing their bit for wildlife and the natural environment.
The award categories
There are six award categories. They are simple to enter and nominations are encouraged from all quarters, whether it be an individual striving to make a difference on a couple of acres, or a collaborative project spanning several farms or estates.
The Nature-Friendly Farm/Estate Award
To celebrate farms, tenant farms, and estates that have excelled in implementing practices that promote biodiversity and species recovery.
The Innovation in Conservation Award
To champion those who have developed innovative solutions or methods that advance conservation and enhance the natural environment.
The Farm-Environment Partnership Award
To recognise farms that have formed successful partnerships with others, showcasing the positive outcomes of collaboration.
The Wetland & Watercourse Conservation Award
To showcase efforts in creating and restoring wetland habitats and watercourses to the benefit of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The Rising Star Award
To shine a light on a young individual who is setting a sterling example and demonstrating an outstanding approach to conservation in the British countryside.
The Working Conservationist Award
To celebrate an individual who has dedicated much of their life to the conservation of flora and fauna in the British countryside.
Nominate an outstanding individual or project
Help us celebrate the unsung heroes of the countryside.
Meet the judges
Our handpicked panel of judges, who will visit shortlisted entries, come from a range of professional backgrounds.
Charlie Ireland
Vidyanath Gururajan
Megan Lock
Tim Furbank
Roger Draycott
Alexandra Henton
Rhys Williams
Owen Wiliams
Amber Hopgood
Ross Ewing
Dr Alastair Leake
Dr Julie Ewald
Jake Fiennes
Marcus Janssen
Dylan Wiliams
Jim Egan
Shaun Leonard
Stewart McIntyre
Dr Francis Buner
Dr Nick Hesford
Joe Stanley
Dylan Roberts
Lee Oliver
Kirsty Brannan
Dr Andrew Hoodless
Jake Freestone
John Pawsey
Matt Goodall
“Through these awards, we hope to celebrate the passion and achievements of the people who are going above and beyond for wildlife and the natural environment. And, 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.”
Schöffel Countryside Awards
The unsung heroes of the countryside | Episode 6: Graham DennyRead postSchöffel Countryside Awards8 min read
The unsung heroes of the countryside | Episode 5: Geoff EyreRead postSchöffel Countryside Awards5 min read
Nominations open for 2026 Schöffel Countryside AwardsRead postSchöffel Countryside Awards5 min read
The unsung heroes of the countryside | Episode 4: Hooves and habitatRead postSchöffel Countryside Awards7 min read
The unsung heroes of the countryside | Episode 3: Rupert BrewerRead postSchöffel Countryside Awards5 min read
Schöffel Countryside Awards | Insights from the judgesRead postSchöffel Countryside Awards11 min read
The Schöffel Countryside Awards – meet the judges | Part 2Read postSchöffel Countryside Awards15 min read
