Placement success sees student Tom tipped as rising star in Countryside Awards

Posted Yesterday

A student has been tipped as a rising star in this year’s Schöffel Countryside Awards – before even completing his degree.

The nomination adds to a long list of achievements for Tom Ewin, of Hoxne, Norfolk. It’s not even his first award nomination – after he was named last year as the recipient of the Bishop of Norwich’s Sustainable Environment Young Employee of the Year Award.  

BSc (Hons) Environmental Land Management student Tom, 21, received that award for the work he had carried out during his placement year with Norfolk FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.)

Since returning to Harper Adams University to complete his final year last September, Tom has continued to refine the skills and knowledge he picked up on placement - even completing his final year Honours Research Project examining “stakeholder attitudes towards rising deer populations, comparing native and non-native species “, a topic inspired by his experiences with Norfolk FWAG. Tom secured his placement role through the Norfolk FWAG Scholarship, one of many offered through the Harper Adams Development Trust.

He believes that it is this combination of placement and academic experience which has seen him shortlisted for the Schöffel Rising Star award - which shines a light on young individuals who are demonstrating an outstanding approach to conservation. 

He said: “It's a real honour to have been shortlisted, especially alongside such a strong group of finalists.

“I was genuinely surprised when I found out, and it's really rewarding to have the work I've been involved in recognised. It's also a reflection of all the people who have supported and encouraged me throughout my studies and placement year.

“My final year at University has been busy but really enjoyable.

“Completing my dissertation was a lot of hard work, but I genuinely enjoyed researching a topic I'm passionate about and bringing together everything I'd learned throughout my degree and placement year.

“Alongside that, it's been a chance to reflect on my placement with Norfolk FWAG and apply that experience back into my studies. Being shortlisted for this award has definitely been a highlight of the year.”

When considering Universities, Tom was drawn to Harper Adams precisely because of the placement year the University offered.

He added: “I've always been interested in wildlife and the countryside, but I wanted a career where I could make a practical difference for both conservation and farming.

“Environmental Land Management at Harper Adams really stood out because it combines science with hands-on land management - and focuses on finding solutions that work for both wildlife and food production.

“The placement year was another big attraction, as it gave me the opportunity to gain real industry experience. I don't think I would have enjoyed a city university so Harper's agricultural campus and the shooting club which I got involved in were big draws.”

Having completed his final exams, Tom is now looking forwards towards September – when Harper Adams will be holding its annual graduation ceremony – and then to the Schöffel awards ceremony in November.

With four years at University now completed, he added: “I am hoping to go travelling before settling into a job – however, I'd like to build a career in practical conservation and environmental land management, working with landowners and farmers to deliver projects that benefit wildlife while supporting productive farming.

“I'm particularly interested in deer management, habitat restoration and landscape-scale conservation, and I'd like to continue developing my work in those areas.”

Having made the most of his time at University, Tom has a simple piece of advice for those wishing to follow in his footsteps.

He added: “Try not to narrow yourself down too early, getting experience across different areas keeps your options open and helps you work out what you really enjoy.

“Say yes to as many opportunities as you can - and make the most of your placement year.

“It's a great chance to gain practical experience, meet people across the industry and build contacts, many of which can lead to opportunities later on!”

Read more about the Schöffel Countryside Awards here.