The Nayland Land Company have been named winners of the 2024 Robert Erith National Landscape Award.
The award is given out annually to the individual, group or organisation that has made an outstanding impact on the Dedham Vale National Landscape and Stour Valley.
It is named after Robert Erith BEM TD DL, the former Chairman of the Dedham Vale National Landscape and Stour Valley Partnership, a lifelong advocate for the special landscape.
Nayland Land Company was set up by the Nayland with Wissington Conservation Society in March 2004 to hold ownership of a substantial field on the River Stour in Nayland which was purchased using public donations raised by the Society having been under threat from developers.
Since then, the Land Company has cared for the land, which sits adjacent to the river, within its ownership for more than 20 years, providing many benefits to the community in Nayland.
The past two decades have seen the creation of a new permissive footpath, which has become one of the most popular walking routes in the village and is in the final stages of installing a wheelchair accessible surface.
The land has become a haven for wildlife thanks to several initiatives to increase biodiversity, such as the creation of a new pond in which otters and water vole have been sighted, laying new hedgerows, installing bird and bat boxes, and building stag beetle pyramids, in addition to sheep which graze in the meadow.
The Land Company has also created opportunities for local volunteers to help with projects, planted native trees alongside the riverbank, installed information boards to educate walkers on some of the features in the land, as well as seating for the public overlooking delightful views across the field to the Stour.
Nayland Land Company said:
“We are hugely honoured to win the Robert Erith National Landscape Award for 2024. Nayland Meadow is for the community and it has certainly established itself as a favourite walk. There is much to see on and around the meadow for all.
This award is recognition of much hard work by many dedicated people over 20 years. Without the support we have had this would not have been possible. A big “thank you all”. The award will be a great encouragement for the future.”
Cllr James Finch, Chair of the Dedham Vale National Landscape Partnership said:
“I would like to congratulate The Nayland Land Company team working with the Dedham Vale National Landscape team and their volunteers on what they have achieved over the last twenty years.
It is a wonderful practical example of giving the local residents the opportunity to see and enjoy the diversity of the meadow they have on their doorstep as it develops and is protected long term. “
Robert Erith said:
“I am delighted that Martin Wright and his colleagues at the Nayland Land Company have won the award this year. They have done a superb job in maintaining and enhancing the beautiful meadows along the Stour which will be kept free of development in perpetuity. “
More information about the Robert Erith National Landscape award, and the list of past winners, can be found at dedhamvale-NL.org.uk/awards.