It is with great pleasure that we announce Tom Ewin, a 20-year-old from Hoxne, near Diss, as the 2025 winner of the prestigious Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award. This remarkable young individual was presented with the award by the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, at the Royal Norfolk Show on Thursday, June 26. The award not only comes with a cash prize of £1,000 but also serves as a significant boost to Tom’s fledgling career in farming and conservation. Tom’s passion for the environment, as well as his exceptional communication skills, have made him a standout winner in the eyes of the judges. They praised him as “a passionate communicator for the environment, a young man with both practical and theoretical skills and, perhaps the most important of all, an ability to communicate his passion to a wide range of people.”
Tom’s journey to winning this award is a testament to his dedication and hard work. Growing up in the beautiful Waveney valley, Tom was surrounded by the wonders of nature, which sparked his passion for the environment, agriculture, and conservation. His grandfather, a farmer near Attleborough, played a significant role in shaping Tom’s interests, even if he wasn’t directly involved in the day-to-day agricultural work. As Tom grew older, he became increasingly engaged with farming and developed a deep appreciation for the importance of balancing wildlife conservation with agricultural needs. He believes that “we need to protect our food security and keep producing crops, so it’s finding the balance to make it work for the farmer and the wildlife.” This nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between agriculture, conservation, and the environment is precisely what makes Tom an outstanding young professional in his field.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, who presented Tom with the award, expressed his admiration for Tom’s work, stating that he is “a worthy winner” who “focuses on finding ways to balance the needs of wildlife with our need for agriculture, crops, and food security.” The Bishop highlighted Tom’s ability to see the bigger picture, recognizing the importance of preserving space for nature while also addressing the challenges of agricultural production. This holistic approach to environmental management is at the heart of Tom’s work, and his win is a reason to hope that future generations will be able to celebrate the wonders of nature alongside the fruits of agricultural labor. As the Church of England’s lead bishop for the environment, the Rt Revd Graham Usher’s endorsement of Tom’s work carries significant weight, and his words serve as a powerful reminder of the critical role that young people like Tom will play in shaping the future of our planet.
Tom’s award-winning work has been guided by his experience with the Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (Norfolk FWAG), a not-for-profit organization that brings together farming and conservation specialists. As part of his degree course in environmental land management, Tom spent a year with Norfolk FWAG, working on a range of projects, including woodland and soil management plans, tree planting schemes, natural flood management, and habitat surveys. One of the highlights of his placement was leading a DEFRA-funded deer management project, which will be developed and continued in the future. Tom’s practical experience, combined with his theoretical knowledge, has equipped him with a unique set of skills that will serve him well in his future career. His dedication to finding innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our environment is truly inspiring, and his win is a testament to the impact that young people can have when given the opportunity to make a difference.
As Tom looks to the future, he hopes to pursue a career that combines his passions for agriculture and conservation. He is eager to apply his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the environment, while also contributing to the vital work of food production. Tom’s win is not only a recognition of his outstanding work but also a motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of environmental management. As he so eloquently put it, “I feel incredibly honoured to have won this award. There are so many people doing amazing things for the environment, so to be recognized like this is really motivating.” Tom’s humility and dedication to his craft are a shining example of the kind of leadership and vision that we need to address the environmental challenges of our time.
The annual Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award is a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing and supporting the next generation of environmental leaders. Run in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and judged by its education arm, The Food and Farming Trust, this award recognizes outstanding young employees and apprentices working in land management, conservation, countryside management, ecology, climate change management, forestry management, or horticulture. Tom’s win serves as a beacon of hope for the future, demonstrating that with passion, dedication, and the right support, young people can make a real difference in the world. As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to invest in and support the next generation of environmental leaders, providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. By doing so, we can ensure that the legacy of innovative and sustainable environmental management is passed on to future generations, and that the natural world continues to thrive for years to come.
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