New awards have been launched in memory of a north Norfolk farm conservationist who inspired the industry with his enthusiasm for pond restoration.
Richard Waddingham spent 50 years caring for ponds and other wildlife habitats at Manor Farm in Briston, near Melton Constable - as well as promoting pond conservation to others.
The farmer, who died in November 2020 at the age of 82, was the inspiration behind the Norfolk Ponds Project (NPP).
And now the NPP Richard Waddingham Pond Conservation Awards will commemorate his legacy.
Run in conjunction with the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership (NBP) and Norfolk FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group), the awards will "recognise the achievements of individuals, farmers and community groups whose voluntary actions make a difference for water, wildlife and people via ponds in Norfolk".
Organisers said: "The awards commemorate the great work of Richard Waddingham, who understood the importance of water in the landscape and recognised that when managed properly, ponds can support a rich variety of native wildlife even in areas of intensive agriculture."
Applications for the farming award close at midnight on July 4. The winner will be announced on October 29 at the Norfolk Landscapes Conference and Exhibition.
The closing date for the community award is September 1. This will be awarded at the Forum on October 4 at the end of the NBP Biodiversity Fair.
For more details and applications, see norfolkponds.org/richard-waddingham-pond-award/
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