A GLOUCESTERSHIRE farm has been named one of the best in the country for conservation.
Frampton Court Estate, located on the banks of the River Severn, won the 2026 Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group National Silver Lapwing Award, presented by the FWAG Association for outstanding efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment alongside food production.
The estate, managed by Peter Clifford, was praised by judges for its wide range of habitats, including species-rich ancient hay meadows and restoring ghost ponds.
Mr Clifford said: "I'm totally taken aback, I never expected we'd win."
The award celebrates farms that successfully integrate high-quality food production with environmental stewardship.
The 2026 ceremony was held on June 23 at Finches Farm in Hertfordshire.
Frampton Court Estate covers 408 acres of arable rotation, 120 acres of species-rich grassland, 90 acres of woodland, 100 acres managed for creation of wood pasture, alongside 100 acres of lakes.
Mr Clifford credited neighbouring dairy farmer Ed Spencer for helping the estate shift toward more sustainable practices.
He said: "For the last three years we've been working with neighbouring dairy farmer Ed Spencer.
"He's been key to the transition we've made from an intensive arable system to fully extensive.
"We teamed up to focus on soil health and profitability in the arable rotation through minimal soil disturbance and maximising available muck and slurry from his farm."
Mr Spencer said: "These awards are great, it's fantastic to have some positivity in farming and we're delighted to have won."
The Silver Lapwing Award is sponsored by Frontier Agriculture and Land App.
Martin Hole, one of the judges, said: "It's such a privilege to visit each of the finalists and see for ourselves what amazing work they are doing to integrate wildlife into their daily farming operations.
"Each farm was uniquely brilliant in how they had evolved to be resilient businesses whilst still making space for nature and it just goes to show what can be achieved."
The award scheme highlights the efforts of farmers across the UK who are making a measurable difference to wildlife, landscape, and the broader environment through thoughtful land management.
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