 The presentations by the finalists in the Lincolnshire Environmental Award and Lincolnshire Young Environmentalist Award 2011 took place throughout the day. At the evening Gala Dinner, the winning entries were announced. Chair of the judges Professor David Bellamy said that he was flabbergasted at the quality of the projects in the finals.
The Nevile Estate at Aubourn illustrates that commercial farm productivity can go hand in hand with environmental success. Over the past 30 years, the estate which had very few natural landscape features has been transformed. Improvements on what is a highly commercial arable farm include significant hedge restoration and woodland planting, restoration of grassland and introduction of grazing, a new 40 acre wetland scheme and extensive paths for walkers and those on horseback. Wildlife highlights include more than 30 pairs of wild grey partridge now breeding on the farm and, 100 years since they bred this far inland, two breeding pairs of avocets.
Philip Wynn from the Nevile Estate said: "I’m delighted for all of the team on the estate; it’s been a team effort for a long time. The vision for all of this was from the late Sir Henry Nevile. He would have been very proud to win the award and to see the estate as it is today."
The Lincolnshire Young Environmentalist Award 2011 was presented to The John Fielding Community Special School. The judging panel were particularly impressed with their work in the community and the way in which all students are involved to the best of their abilities. Assistant Head Teacher Jonathan Bunster said that winning the award was the culmination of three years’ work.
The students at the school have extended their environmental work and moved out into the community. They have been helping others, including Boston Borough Council, Boston College and Frieston Education Centre, by building recycled bottle greenhouses and bug palaces. The students have also built a 40foot polytunnel in which to grow organic vegetables.
Photo shows Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth, and David Bellamy presenting the Lincolnshire Environmental Award 2011 to Philip Wynn from Nevile Estates.
Overall Winner of the Lincolnshire Environmental Awards 2011: The Nevile Estate
Best Community Award supported by Centrica Energy: Stamford Community Orchard Group
The orchard group have established a community orchard in Stamford, a nursery on which to grow re-found varieties and hold an annual Apple Day. They aim to rediscover some of the forty varieties of apple that originated in the Stamford area, only five of which are now commercially available. They think they may have already found two lost varieties including the Stamford pippin.
They were thrilled to receive the award, Max Winslow, Orchard Group Chairman commented: "we didn’t expect it as we are such a small group. We’re really pleased for the rest of the group and all the volunteers that have been involved."
Runner’s Up:
Wyndham Park Forum
Boston Woods Trust
Best Business Award supported by Anglian Water: Cemex, South Ferriby Cement Plant
Cement-making is energy intensive and involves burning fossil fuels to heat kilns to at least 1400 degrees Celsius. At South Ferriby, Cemex are pioneering the use of alternative fuels including a fuel made from household waste which would otherwise end up as landfill. They are the first cement plant in the world to have used 100% alternative fuels in cement manufacture. This achievement was over a three day period which they now hope to sustain over a longer period. Their average use of alternative fuels is 80% (the UK average is 35%).
Plant Director, Philip Baynes-Clarke said: "It’s been a long road with support from the local community and the Environment Agency and reflects the efforts of the entire site team. On behalf of the team, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and to be leading the way."
Runner’s Up:
Lenzing Fibers Grimsby Ltd.
Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue
Best Farm / Rural Enterprise Award supported by Brown & Co: The Nevile Estate
Runner’s Up:
JL Dodsworth and Co
L Olivant and Son
Young Environmentalist Award supported by Waste Recycling Group: The John Fielding Community Special School
Runner’s Up:
William Chico
Halton Holgate Primary School
Highly Commended:
Bassingham Primary School
North Thoresby Primary School
The Lincolnshire Environmental Awards, the only dedicated environmental awards programme in the county, are organised by Lindum Rotary Club and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
www.lincsenvironmentalawards.org.uk
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