Applications are now open for the 2025 Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award.

The £1,000 award is open to employees and apprentices under the age of 30, working in Norfolk farming, countryside and conservation roles.

The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and the Church of England’s lead Bishop for the environment, said: “I am delighted to be working again in partnership with the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) and the Food and Farming Discovery Trust to offer this prize to encourage and recognize those setting out on a career in land and nature.

“The nominees always give me great hope for the future, not least because I am passionate about the care of God’s creation and supporting those who appreciate the natural world as much as I have in my life.”

Mark Nicholas, managing director of the RNAA, added: “The award is central to the RNAA’s wider role of promoting food production, farming, and the countryside, and it seeks to recognise the inspirational efforts by young people to enhance our biodiversity and how we manage our natural capital.”

The award aims to raise the profile of land-based environment opportunities and enhance the winner’s career, with the £1,000 prize intended to help towards training and professional development.

Applicants must work within the land-based sector, in employment or an apprenticeship focused on areas including land management, conservation, countryside management, ecology, climate change management, forestry management and horticulture.

They must submit a letter of recommendation from their employer, along with a short home-made smartphone video up to five minutes long.

The deadline for award applications is May 12. For full details on how to apply,  see www.ffdt.co.uk.