Courteenhall’s managing partner Dr Johnny Wake has received a Community Farming Hero award from South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom DBE.

The Community Farming Hero award is instigated by the National Farmers Union to recognise farmers and food producers who go above and beyond for their community, whether they are fundraising for charity, supporting their neighbours, inspiring school children or making donations to food banks for example.

The award leads up to the annual Back British Farming Day on Wednesday 2nd November, encouraging members of parliament to celebrate food and the people who manage the land from across the UK.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “British farmers and growers are often pillars of their communities. Whether it’s maintaining the landscapes people love to visit, helping neighbours in times of extreme weather or fundraising for local charities. With the help of MPs we're recognising and celebrating their invaluable contributions.”

Andrea Leadsom MP commented on why she nominated Courteenhall Farms’ Managing Partner Johnny Wake: “Johnny is a leading light within the industry, managing a team of dedicated people who share his vision to safeguard the land for future generations.

“What sets him apart from the crowd is that he is the driving force behind numerous CSR projects that support the community in which he operates, including supporting the formation of TRUST, which works with (children and their parents) who have experienced trauma, are in the care system or struggling to engage at school and can benefit from an outdoor classroom environment to express themselves and improve connectedness. More details on this can be found here: https://www.alptuition.com/ or www.courteenhall.co.uk/news/article/the-trust-programme

“Other CSR projects include hosting and supporting the local branch of Home-Start, hosting Open Farm Sunday and the Country Trust, holding fundraising events for the GWCT, and Homes for Hounds, as well as strong links with local primary schools including Blisworth and Roade Primary.”

Johnny Wake commented ‘What a complete and utter surprise to be recognised for such an accolade. Legacy is something that holds great importance in all aspects of farming activity at Courteenhall. We farm on the urban fringe and there is a clear danger of our local community becoming ever more disconnected with farming.

We absolutely must counter this by continually improving our interaction with the community through events we host like Open Farm Sunday, the Church Fete, charity fundraisers, the sponsoring of local sports teams (tennis, cricket and football), the hosting of various schools and educational programmes (Blisworth Primary School, Roade Primary School, The TRUST Programme, the Country Trust), and the sponsorship and hosting of HomeStart West Northants. This award recognises the whole team effort at Courteenhall and I’d like to thank Andrea Leadsom MP for the nomination.’

For more information on the award visit: https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/nfu-community-farming-hero-awards/

For more information on Courteenhall Farms, visit: www.courteenhall.co.uk