Nominations open for 2026 Schöffel Countryside Awards

Why the Schöffel Countryside Awards matter 

We are facing a biodiversity crisis in the British countryside. With one in six species at risk of being lost, and many habitats considered to be in ‘poor’ condition, more needs to be done to help our wildlife.   

Across Britain, private land managers play a vital role in supporting wildlife, restoring habitats and improving biodiversity. Often, though, this work happens quietly and without recognition. 

The Schöffel Countryside Awards aim to change that and celebrate individuals, farms, estates and partnerships whose dedication to conservation is making a measurable difference – across all sorts of habitat types and to the benefit of myriad wildlife species, from farmland birds to pollinators and reptiles to mammals. 

Whether it’s an individual restoring habitat on a few acres, or collaborative projects spanning multiple farms or estates, we want to hear their stories. 

Building on a remarkable first year 

When the awards launched last year, we were blown away by the response. More than 80 nominations were submitted, highlighting an extraordinary breadth of passion, innovation and commitment across the UK. Our judges had the privilege of visiting finalists on the ground and seeing their work in action – and the impact was clear. Winners were then crowned at a ceremony in central London in November, hosted by Coutts Landed Estates. 

Marcus Janssen, Schöffel Country’s executive director and a judge, says: “When we first launched these awards a year ago, we could never have imagined the level of interest. What impressed us more than anything though was the passion, innovation and hard work evident when visiting the finalists. 

“It’s crucial that we champion the efforts of these people. From moorland to woodland and arable land to water meadows, their work benefits countless habitats and species. 

“So often these people do not get the credit they deserve, and we want to change that.” 

For the GWCT, the awards reflect everything the charity stands for. Nick von Westenholz, chief executive officer of the GWCT, explains: "What last year’s winners have shown us is that we have countryside heroes up and down the UK, who day in, day out, are demonstrating that conservation and food production are not opposing forces, but can work hand in hand. 

“These ‘working conservationists’ are delivering on-the-ground results for wildlife and their incredible efforts embody exactly what the GWCT stands for – practical, science-led conservation carried out by those who live and work on the land. 

“Many of these people go largely unrecognised, but we want to recognise and celebrate their efforts. If you know of someone who is quietly making a difference every day in our countryside, please nominate them." 

Award categories for 2026 

Once again, the Schöffel Countryside Awards span six categories, reflecting the diversity of conservation taking place across Britain: 

• Working Conservationist - This category celebrates an individual who has dedicated much of their life to the conservation of flora and fauna in the British countryside. 
• Nature-Friendly Farm/Estate - This category celebrates farms, tenant farms, and estates that have excelled in implementing practices that promote biodiversity and species recovery. 
• Innovation in Conservation - This category champions individuals or groups who have developed innovative solutions, technologies or methods that advance conservation and the natural environment. 
• Farm-Environment Partnership - This category recognises farms that have formed successful partnerships with others, showcasing the positive outcomes of collaboration. 
• Wetland & Watercourse Conservation - This category focuses on efforts and achievements in creating and restoring wetland habitats and watercourses to the benefit of biodiversity and ecosystems. 
• Rising Star - This category shines a light on young individuals who are demonstrating an outstanding approach to conservation. 

Voices from the awards 

Last year’s Rising Star Award winner, Tom Hilder, described the experience as both humbling and inspiring: 

"I was thoroughly shocked when I got the call to say that I had been nominated for the Rising Star Award. I had no clue that my career had been watched so closely nor that it was so well admired by those around me. During the award ceremony itself, complete strangers were coming up to me and congratulating me on my hard work and achievements. Something that, for me, was just my day-to-day passion of working to restore nature and biodiversity in the UK.  

“The awards provided me and the many other nominees with a great opportunity to shout about all the hard work we do to protect and enhance the UK’s biodiversity. Hard work that for many, often goes unnoticed.  

“These awards are all about bringing those hard-working individuals at the forefront of conservation into the foreground of society too. I would, without a doubt, encourage everyone to step forward and nominate the first person or project that comes to mind when they think of the battle to reverse the UK’s climate and biodiversity crisis."  

How to enter/nominate 

Nominations for the 2026 Schöffel Countryside Awards are now open and close on 31 March. 

You can nominate yourself or someone else, and the process is simple. All the details can be found on the Schöffel Countryside Awards website.