A summer celebration of wildflowers and the lasting legacy of FWAG East’s Elizabeth Ranelagh

This June, FWAG East hosted a joyful summer gathering to celebrate two things close to our hearts: the vibrant beauty of wildflower meadows and a momentous milestone in our history - the retirement of our esteemed colleague and friend, Elizabeth Ranelagh.

Elizabeth sharing her passion for wildflower meadows with our guests. (Photo: H Buxton)

Set amidst swaying meadows and the gentle hum of pollinators, the event - kindly hosted by Micky Astor - was a fitting tribute to the landscapes we work to support and the people who make that work possible. Guests enjoyed a guided farm walk to admire the wildflower meadows and mature elm trees, shared stories and laughter over refreshments, and reflected on the importance of biodiversity on our farms and in our countryside.

FWAG East’s Nigel Russell delved into the rich insect life thriving in the old wildflower meadows. He highlighted invertebrate species that would have been present when Elizabeth first joined FWAG then showed us the ‘newcomers’ that are making the most of our changing climate. In true Blue Peter style, he came prepared with specimens collected earlier that day, delighting guests with an up-close look at a variety of meadow invertebrates.

Guests discovering the invertebrates found in the meadow, grasshopper included. (Photo: J McNaughton)

Later, as the sun dipped lower, we were treated to a special musical interlude - Elizabeth’s band made a surprise appearance and serenaded us during dinner, adding an extra special touch to the atmosphere of the evening.

At the heart of it all, though, was Elizabeth herself. Her retirement marks a milestone in the history of FWAG East - and the celebration was as much about her legacy as it was about the wildflowers around us.

Elizabeth first joined FWAG in the early 1990s - not as an adviser, but as a farmer member seeking additional environmental guidance for her 50-acre farm. Armed with a PhD in grassland ecology and a deep-rooted passion for conservation and sustainable land management, she soon became a trusted voice in the farming community. Her textbook on grassland management for horses remains the go-to reference for landowners and equine professionals alike.

From 2002 to 2011, Elizabeth worked as a Farm Environment Adviser with Cambs & Herts FWAG, before continuing her role with the newly formed FWAG East. The benefits of her leadership have extended beyond our organisation - as Eastern Region Co-ordinator for the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (2009–2020), she inspired farmers across the region to embrace practical, voluntary conservation.

Rebecca shares a heartfelt tribute to Elizabeth, celebrating a career that’s inspired so many. (Photo: A Clark)

Over the years, Elizabeth has been more than a colleague or an adviser; she has been a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light. Her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering commitment to the environment have left a lasting impression on everyone she’s worked with. Within the FWAG East team she is deeply cherished, not only for her expertise, but for her kindness, generosity of spirit, humour, and occasional dash of chaos.

Her legacy reaches far beyond our team. Elizabeth has been a trusted adviser to countless farmers and landowners, many of whom credit her with transforming the way they view and manage their land. She has also built strong, lasting relationships with partner organisations across the region, earning widespread respect for her collaborative approach and her ability to bring people together around shared goals.

Guests take in a newly enhanced wildflower meadow (Photo: A Clark)

And of course, no tribute would be complete without a smile at some of Elizabeth’s most iconic phrases, ones that became part of the daily rhythm of FWAG East life. Whether it was the familiar, “Is someone on my RPA page?” or the ever urgent, “It’s the RPA, I need to answer this!” her attention to detail and her dedication for getting things right have always been clear.

The original wildflower meadow at Hatley Park - vibrant with the yellow flowers of ladies bedstraw and the distinctive sound of yellow rattle shaking in the breeze. (Photo: A Clark)

As we celebrated her retirement, surrounded by the very landscapes she helped flourish, we were reminded of the lasting power of dedication, knowledge, and compassion. While Elizabeth will no longer be available in her advisory role, her influence will continue to shape our work and inspire our team for years to come.

From all of us at FWAG East: thank you, Elizabeth.