The modern agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, moving toward a model where productivity and ecological stewardship are no longer mutually exclusive. As part of the annual Farmers Weekly awards, two finalists have emerged as leaders in demonstrating how sustainable farming practices can deliver measurable environmental gains while securing the financial longevity of their businesses.
The competition for Environmental Farmer of the Year evaluates candidates on their ability to integrate soil, water, and air quality improvements, pesticide reduction, biodiversity enhancement, and greenhouse gas emission mitigation into a cohesive, long-term farm strategy.
James Chapman, operating Hill Farm in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, has gained recognition for his meticulous management of land adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Trinity Broads. Situated in a critical drinking water catchment area and a site of special scientific interest, Chapman’s farming practices prioritize habitat creation. His approach includes extensive planting of hedgerows and woodland—including 1,500 meters of new hedging in 2025 alone—as well as the restoration of local ponds.
Chapman’s commitment to water quality is reflected in the farm’s infrastructure, which features bio-beds and filtration ponds to manage sprayer washings. Furthermore, he has adopted rainwater harvesting to optimize pesticide efficacy and installed solar technology to power the farm’s grain storage. Beyond his own acres, Chapman has taken a leadership role in regional flood mitigation, establishing the Thurne Flood Group to coordinate between local farmers, the Internal Drainage Board, and the Environment Agency to better manage future weather-related risks.
In Lincolnshire, Colin Chappell of Gander Farm has focused his efforts on carbon management and soil health restoration. A standout achievement for the farm is the sequestering of 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per year. This progress has been driven by refined nitrogen use efficiency, the adoption of less intensive cultivation techniques, and the optimization of his machinery fleet to reduce fuel consumption.
Chappell’s philosophy on soil science involves the application of fish hydroslate and humates to support the microbial life of his heavy clay soils. His crop management includes the use of cover and companion cropping, alongside the strategic allocation of over 25% of the farm to environmental stewardship. This includes dedicated margins to protect water quality and provide habitats for local wildlife, such as the grey partridge and yellow hammer. The success of these measures is evidenced by a marked increase in biodiversity, with recent observations recording 36 bird species on-farm in just two hours, including marsh harriers and several varieties of warbler.
Both finalists represent a shift in the agricultural sector toward regenerative strategies that prioritize the long-term health of the land. Whether through Chapman’s landscape-scale habitat connectivity in Norfolk or Chappell’s carbon-negative operations in Lincolnshire, these farmers are proving that environmental integration is the cornerstone of a resilient, future-proof agricultural business.
The judging panel, which includes Farmers Weekly arable editor Richard Allison, 2025 Arable Farmer of the Year Richard Anthony, and independent agronomist Jonathan James, emphasizes that the ultimate winner will be the individual who has most successfully woven these environmental initiatives into a strategy that ensures both ecological health and economic sustainability for the generations to follow.
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