The deadline for Lantra’s national Land-based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards has been extended, with entries now set to close at 11:50pm on Sunday 30 June 2024.

Now in its second year, the Award scheme looks to recognise the talent, successes and achievements of learners from across England and Northern Ireland in the land-based and environment sector.

Winners will be announced on 21 November 2024 at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, in a ceremony hosted by Danny Clarke, also known as The Black Gardener.

Clarke, who transitioned from a career in sales to horticulture in his early forties, says: “I am thrilled to be hosting this year’s ceremony to recognise the talent and dedication of people in education who are taking care of and creating green spaces and looking after animals.”

The Awards organisers, Lantra and Landex, are actively encouraging land-based employers, colleges, private training providers and universities to recognise and promote their top candidates via nominations.

The annual awards are open to individuals on a full-time or part-time Land-Based and Environment course or Apprenticeship in England between September 2022 and September 2024.

Categories include Agriculture; Aquaculture and Fisheries, Arboriculture; Forestry and Woodland Management; Equine and Farriery; Floristry; Landscape and Horticulture; Land-Based Engineering; Animal Care and Management; Veterinary Nursing; Environmental Conservation, Game and Wildlife; and Sports Turf and Greenkeeping.

Dr David Llewellyn CBE, Lantra’s chair of trustees comments: “We were overwhelmed by the 120 nominations that were received in the first year of the Awards.

“The LBEL Awards already play a key role in celebrating hard-work and success and in this second year, we are urging employers of apprentices to put their best candidates forward. In this way, we can recognise and reward the very best of our developing workforce.’’

Information on how to enter can be found at www.lantra.co.uk/what-we-do/learner-of-the-year-awards. Or for more information email lbels@lantra.co.uk