Willow Farm at Hickling is this year's winner of the Ian MacNicol Memorial Trophy, awarded annually by Norfolk FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) to recognise farms which successfully integrate conservation within commercial food production businesses.

Farmer James Tallowin said his family felt a sense of duty to protect the "special" biodiversity on their land, which borders Hickling Broad and its Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve.

James Tallowin led visitors on a tour of Willow Farm at Hickling, winner of the 2025 Ian MacNicol Memorial Trophy for farm conservation (Image: Chris Hill)

Parts of the farm have been managed under stewardship schemes since 2005 and, in the last 20 years, 180 bird species have been recorded along with 11 bat species and 650 types of moth.

But while conservation efforts are focused on woodlands, hedgerows, field margins, reed beds and grazing marshes, the business retains its focus on commercial food production.

About 80pc of the 230ha farm grows arable crops, and it also operates a poultry unit housing 80,000 broiler........

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