CLA member Charles Forbes Adam has been awarded the annual Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) for outstanding achievement in the successful land management and development of an agricultural estate in England.
Forbes Adam is owner of the Escrick Park Estate, near York, which boasts substantial diversification projects including offices, commercial lets, holiday lodges, wedding facilities, equestrian cross-country course and a National Nature Reserve.
CLA President Harry Cotterell said: "This is one of the agricultural industry's most prestigious awards with previous winners including the Duke of Westminster. It is hotly contested and I am delighted for Charles and his team for their range of successful diversification projects and commitment towards improving the rural environment."
Mr Forbes Adam, who is also Chairman of the CLA's Yorkshire branch said: "I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive this prestigious award. Not only is it recognition of everything we have been working towards for the last 20 years but it is also a testament to the great work being done by the fantastic team we have at Escrick Park."
During the judges' visit to Escrick Park, they were particularly impressed by the breadth of diversification and the 8,000-acre estate's ability to maximise the potential of its rural assets while enhancing the natural environment. More details are given in Editors' Notes below.
