51AVÊÓƵ

Somerset-based cheese producer Richard Clothier is carrying the flag for agriculture in the King's New Year Honours list.

The managing director of dairy giant Wyke Farms said he was ‘surprised, honoured and humbled' to be appointed MBE, which recognised his services to sustainable agriculture and food production.

READ NOW: Review of the Year Part 1 - a look back at a tumultuous year for agriculture

The company said the royal nod recognised a ‘lifetime of commitment to farming with care for the environment at its heart.'

Issuing a statement, the company said: "Rich's leadership in renewable energy, carbon reduction, protecting biodiversity and community has helped Wyke make a positive impact far beyond Somerset."

Environment

Elsewhere, Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, was awarded an OBE in recognition of his outstanding services to the environment.

Mr Bennett said: "I am very grateful for this honour and would like to send sincere thanks to those who nominated me. My career has focused on trying to join the dots between the nature and climate crises and the need for social justice and system change, and how they are all inextricably linked.

READ NOW: Review of the Year Part 2 - a look back at a tumultuous year for agriculture

In the list, which is approved by King Charles, soil scientist Lorna Dawson has been made a Dame Commander (DBE).

Professor Dawson, head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute, has more than 35 years of experience managing and conducting research in soil and plant interactions.

National Trust

Prof Dawson said: "Soil science may seem an unsung discipline, but its applications — from underpinning sustainable land management, producing safe, nutritious food, to providing robust scientific evidence that supports the criminal justice system — make a real difference to society in the UK and across the world."

The director general of the National Trust, Hilary McGrady, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to heritage.

Ms McGrady is responsible for hundreds of houses, castles and nature reserves, almost 900 miles of coast, and more than 10,000 staff and 44,000 volunteers.

LISTEN NOW:

Speaking of her delight at receiving the award, she said: "Leading the National Trust is a privilege. This organisation has been woven into the fabric of our nations for well over a century, and to play a part in its rich history is very special.

"I have no doubt that the Trust has endured for so long because heritage, culture and nature are intrinsically important in people's lives - they always have been, and they always will be."

Rights of way

Others recognised in this year's list, include chairman of the Open Spaces Society Dr Phil Wadey who has been made an MBE for services to rights of way. Mr Wadey specialises in historical research with the aim of adding paths to the official (definitive) maps.

Sebastian Munden, chair of the global board of trustees for the environmental action group Wrap has been awarded a CBE for services to business, and to the circular economy.