Gloucestershire FWAG’s 30^th Silver Pintail Awards were held at Stanway House on the evening of the 7^th November by kind permission of the Earl of Wemyss and March. The 30^th year of the awards coincided with FWAG's 50th Anniversary, and the many achievements of FWAG in that time were outlined by Jenny Phelps at the beginning of the evening.

      

Guests gather at Stanway House for an evening of celebrations

 

Paul Rutter, from Plantlife and Back from the Brink, gave a talk on the changes of conservation on agricultural land that he has seen through the last 50 years, highlighting just how many changes our farmland has seen in that time, and the many positive achievements for wildlife that have been made while withstanding huge changes in agricultural methods.

Head judge, Richard Appleton, then talked through the farms of our three finalists: Robert and Lynne Jackson of Manor Farm, Sevenhampton, Richard Hanby from Apperley Hall farm, Apperley, and James Taylor from Manor Farm, Down Ampney.

      

Guests seated for the speakers and presentation

Lord Bathurst awarded the Silver Pintail trophy to James Taylor and Down Ampney Estate. While running a large scale modern agricultural business, the estate does a fantastic job of farming with the environment in mind, impressing the judges and ensuring we have a lot to look forward to at our farm walk there next year! Huge congratulations to James Taylor and Down Ampney Estate.

James Taylor and his wife were presented the Silver Pintail Award by Lord Bathurst, and judges Richard Appleton and Malcolm Chalmers

 

The Gloucestershire Silver Pintail Competition, as well as all county competitions and the regional Barn Owl, will open again in January 2020. If you are a farmer that fancies your chances, or you know of a worthy farm that demonstrates good conservation practices alongside farming, use our online application to enter/nominate, or raise an interest with us via email [email protected]