From a young agronomist to an estate helping farmland birds, CLA celebrates rural heroes at South of England Show awards
Packed CLA marquee as wind and rain fail to dampen spirits at leading show in region
Excellence in rural Sussex has been celebrated at the CLA’s annual awards presented at the South of England Show.
The CLA, which represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses, was delighted to return to Ardingly with a marquee on the main ring once again this year.
On the first day of the show, the CLA hosted an awards presentation and drinks reception to recognise the amazing achievements of individuals, communities and businesses in rural Sussex.
Hilary Knight, secretary of Arundel Community Land Trust, picked up the President’s Cup, which is awarded in association with Action in Rural Sussex to an individual who has made a significant contribution to rural life in the county.
The Woodpecker trophy was awarded to the Wiston Estate near Steyning, as nominated by the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG), for its “outstanding commitment to nature conservation, particularly to their efforts in helping farmland birds integrated within modern productive farming”.
The Sussex Young Farmer of the Year award was given to Harry Petfield, who was awarded the CLA Rose Bowl on behalf of Sussex Young Farmers’ Club for his work as vice chairman of the club.
A spokesman for the club said: “Harry has been a constant face and is always there to lend a hand alongside his own career moves this year.
“Harry gained his qualifications, with the support of the Sussex Young Farmers’ training scheme, to become a fully qualified agronomist, an expert in soil management and crop productions, and landed himself a job with Bartholemews.”
CLA South East Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “It is incredibly important to celebrate the achievements and the service of champions within Sussex’s rural community.
“The recipients of these awards are all deserving of recognition for their commitment and leadership in furthering Sussex agriculture, conservation and communities. The CLA would like to congratulate them all for their contributions and for making such a real difference.”
Before the presentations, CLA Director General Bella Murfin gave a talk on the organisation’s recent projects and successes, and thanked the CLA’s show partners Warners Solicitors and Batcheller Monkhouse for their support.
Earlier in the day Lloyd McNeill, managing director of Goodwood Estate, was the keynote speaker at a fully booked breakfast event. The CLA marquee also hosted several MPs to discuss rural issues.
