Reflections from the Isle of Man – A Celebration of Conservation Farming

This week I had the privilege of attending the 46th FWAG Silver Lapwing Award ceremony, held this year on the Isle of Man. Like Eurovision, the honour of hosting passes from one winner to the next, and this year’s event was hosted by last year’s champions, brothers David and Rob Cooil of Ballagawne Farm in Ballabeg.

David and Rob Cooil, Ballagawne Farm

Their farm, nestled in the south of the island, is a grass-based dairy system underpinned by a deep commitment to soil health, habitats and biodiversity. In recent years, David and Rob have transformed their approach after realising they didn’t have the right balance between productivity, environmental care, and their own well-being. They now operate a rotational grazing system using herbal leys, and have reduced their milking schedule to three milkings every two days, rather than twice a day, every day. With reduced synthetic inputs and a more diverse sward, they’ve seen a marked return of birds and insects to the farm. Rob, in particular, has become obsessed with measuring dung beetle diversity and abundance, recognising their crucial role in breaking down dung and cycling nutrients into the soil.

I travelled over by ferry and spent two days on the island with FWAG representatives from across the UK. There’s something incredibly powerful about being part of a national gathering that celebrates farming not just for food production, but for the long-term health of our landscapes. The Silver Lapwing is more than an award – it’s a recognition of farmers who are going above and beyond for sustainability, conservation, and the future of our countryside.

Our visit began with a guided tour of the island’s history, stopping at Tynwald Hill – the open-air site of the Manx Parliament. We learned that it is the oldest continuously running parliament in the world. Later, we were welcomed to Ballagawne Farm with Manx dancing, delicious local food, and a tour showcasing the conservation work that earned them the title last year. It was a celebration not just of a farm, but of an island that values food, farming and nature in equal measure.

Then came the moment of the day: the announcement of this year’s winner. We were absolutely thrilled to see the trophy awarded to FWAG East’s very own Andrew Bott. Andrew’s dedication to farming and the environment is inspiring – from ancient woodlands and flower-rich grasslands to carefully restored ponds and newly created habitats, his farm is a living patchwork of biodiversity. He’s been insecticide-free for over four years, and his regenerative approach is a shining example of what’s possible when farming and nature work hand in hand.

This result means that next year’s Silver Lapwing Award event will be hosted in our patch – and we’re incredibly excited at the prospect of showcasing Andrew’s farm and our region to the rest of the country.

Events like this remind me why FWAG exists: to support farmers who are quietly leading the way in conservation, and to bring together a national network that shares knowledge, encouragement and genuine celebration.