Dr Alastair Leake Receives National Agricultural Award for Leading The Allerton Project

Dr Leake and Andrew Wraith

"He has made an extraordinary contribution to British agriculture through his work leading The Allerton Project"

The Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) has awarded its 2023 National Agricultural Award to Dr Alastair Leake, who is the director of policy at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). 

The award recognises his outstanding contribution to British agriculture through his work leading The Allerton Project, a research and demonstration farm in Leicestershire that showcases how commercial farming and high levels of biodiversity can co-exist peacefully.

Dr Leake received the award from Andrew Wraith, Head of Food & Farming at Savills, at a ceremony held at the Royal Windsor Estate, courtesy of His Majesty the King. 

The award is given annually to an individual who has made a significant impact on the advancement of agriculture in the UK.

Dr Leake has been at the helm of The Allerton Project for 22 years, overseeing and leading ground-breaking research on the effects of different farming methods on biodiversity. The Allerton farm is one of the DEFRA Sustainable Intensification Demonstration Platforms and has attracted thousands of visitors, including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and students, who have learned from its innovative practices.

The award judges praised Dr. Leake for his tireless efforts to discover and communicate how agricultural production systems can allow for high levels of food production and biodiversity to occur simultaneously. 

David Grint, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society, said “We were delighted to present Alastair with the RASE National Agricultural Award. He has made an extraordinary contribution to British agriculture through his work leading The Allerton Project, which has done so much to pioneer and popularise ways of farming with nature.”

At a when intensive agriculture has too often been associated with environmental degradation, Dr Leake has shown how farming with nature can benefit both farmers and wildlife.

Dr Leake said he was “humbled, honoured and thrilled” to receive the award. “I have been fortunate to have worked alongside some outstanding colleagues through my 30 years of involvement with agricultural and environmental trials."

He commented, “the incredibly generous gift of the Loddington Estate by the Late Lord and Lady Allerton and their vision for the Allerton Project has inspired all of us. Never before has it been so important for us to find ways to grow our food and protect nature and the environment simultaneously.”

Gin For Rhinos? Yes, Gin For Rhinos!

In a remarkable union of conservation and craftsmanship, Pete Richardson, who is the co-founder of the world's first baby rhino orphanage, has acquired The White Rhino Gin Company Ltd and the Urban Rhino gin brand.

This unique development not only marks an exciting milestone for Pete but also introduces an exclusive limited-edition legacy batch set to captivate gin enthusiasts all over the world.

Pete Richardson, 57, was working in The Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines back in 2012.

Working with conservationist Arrie van Deventer, Pete was part of the team which took action to save the orphaned babies and went on to establish the world's first purpose-built facility, The Rhino Orphanage.

Pete remains an active director of the orphanage, despite now living in the UK. Through this connection, Pete crossed paths with Belinda Chaffer, the driving force behind Waterberg Rhino UK, who introduced him to the owners of The White Rhino Gin Company.

Enthralled by the shared vision, Pete stated, “When I met Belinda and the company's owners, it really felt like destiny. 

"We soon realised the incredible potential to build a global brand with Urban Rhino Gin whilst also offering support to the remarkable conservation efforts of both Waterberg Rhino UK and The Rhino Orphanage. I'm so thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead of us.”

Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, Urban Rhino is an exceptional London dry gin that has gained high praise from customers and businesses alike. Distilled at the award-winning In the Welsh Wind distillery in Wales, its superior quality and exquisite taste have captivated gin enthusiasts worldwide.

John Heeds, one of the original founders of Urban Rhino said he was delighted to have Pete on board to take the brand forward.

He said: “From our very first conversation I was struck by Pete's passion and his links to rhino conservation made it a really easy decision to hand on the business to him and his team. We're very proud of what we've already achieved so far, but I couldn't be any more excited about what the future holds for the company which myself and our fellow founders are still actively involved with.”

As part of the acquisition, Pete secured a small stock to create an exclusive and individually numbered legacy batch, a prelude to the exciting plans awaiting the end of summer.

These limited-edition legacy bottles are now available for purchase through the Urban Rhino website at www.urban-rhino.com.

Urban Rhino Gin embodies the blend of conservation and indulgence, inviting gin lovers to embrace their passion while making a meaningful contribution to rhino preservation. With every sip, supporters of Urban Rhino join the movement to protect these majestic creatures from the threat of extinction.

If you'd like to find out more about the story behind Urban Rhino gin have a listen to this No Bull marketing podcast where all is revealed.