Harnham Landcare Group members and steadfast community supporters, Garry and Beatrice Bashford, were congratulated last week when they received the 2018 John Winter-Irving Bequest.
Each year, the Board of Southern New England Landcare identifies a member or partner who has shown skills, interest and commitment in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, rural development or leadership – and in the view of the Board has the potential for further development with the assistance of this bequest.
“Southern New England Landcare recommended Garry and Beatrice Bashford for the bequest because they have both shown real commitment to sustainable agriculture and leadership in their local community,” said Steve Harvey, Vice President of Southern New England Landcare, who presented the couple with the bequest last week.
The Bashfords are active members of Harnham Landcare Group, a sub-group of Southern New England Landcare, and practice planned grazing and careful management to improve soil health on their properties at Kentucky.
In addition to coordinating learning opportunities in their own district, such as Dr Christine Jones and Derek Smith from Working with Nature, the Bashfords also take on community volunteering roles with the Kentucky Hall Committee and the Rural Fire Service.
As keen learners, they attend as many field days, workshops and conferences on sustainable and regenerative agriculture as they can.
“We are somewhat surprised, but very appreciative to have been recognised in John Winter-Irving’s memory,” said Garry Bashford.
The bequest is to be used as a study grant in an activity of the recipient’s choosing, in the
field of sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, rural or regional development or leadership.
“We are looking into using the bequest to further enhance our ability to improve our soils, especially the microbiological activity,” said Beatrice.
“This is important because we are the guardians of the soil and many of us have been witnessing the deterioration of the soil structure in our lifetimes,” she said.
“Improving our soils will increase the water and nutrient holding capacity resulting in better resilience and healthier crops, pastures and animals,” she said.
The Board of Southern New England Landcare Ltd is honoured that the Winter-Irving family makes available an annual bequest to allow John’s unfailing commitment to Landcare in the Southern New England region to be continued.
