RASE award honour for farm conservationist

The Royal Agricultural Society of England has named farm conservationist Alastair Leake as the recipient of its 2023 National Agricultural Award.

The award recognises Dr Leake’s outstanding contribution to British agriculture through his work leading the Allerton Project – the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust demonstration farm which showcases how commercial farming and biodiversity can co-exist.

The award is given annually to an individual who has made a significant impact on the advancement of UK agriculture. Dr Leake has led the Allerton Project for 22 a, researching the effects of different farming methods on biodiversity.

Tireless efforts

Located on the Loddington Estate in Leicestershire, the Allerton Project has attracted thousands of visitors – including farmers, government ministers, Defra policy makers, researchers and students – who have learned from its innovative practices.

Award judges praised Dr Leake for his tireless efforts to discover and communicate how agricultural production systems can allow for high levels of food production and biodiversity to occur simultaneously.

RASE chief executive David Grint said “Alasiair has made an extraordinary contribution to British agriculture through his work leading the Allerton Project, which has done so much to pioneer and popularise ways of farming with nature.”

Dr Leake said he was “humbled, honoured and thrilled” to receive the award. He added: “I have been fortunate to have worked alongside some outstanding colleagues through my 30 years of involvement with agricultural and environmental trials.”

The gift of the Loddington Estate by the late Lord and Lady Allerton and their vision for the Allerton Project was inspiring. “Never before has it been so important for us to find ways to grow our food and protect nature and the environment simultaneously.”