The national Land-Based & Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards, an annual celebration of exceptional achievements in the lands-based and environment sector, has opened for nominations.
The awards, which are a partnership between Lantra and Landex, spotlight the talent and efforts of those in the sector.
Established in 2023, and now in its fourth year, the annual awards program recognises outstanding Learners from Further Education (FE), Higher Education (HE), and Apprentices, from across England and Northern Ireland.
This exciting Awards programme will announce the winners at a ceremony to be held on 3rd December 2026, at the National Conference Centre in Solihull. The event will spotlight talent from a variety of categories including agriculture, horticulture, sports turf and greenkeeping, animal care, floristry, environmental conservation, and many more.
The LBEL Awards not only recognises individual success and achievements but also aims to attract new talent to the land-based and environment industries, addressing the ongoing skills shortages being experienced.
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 by nominating them for a prestigious award. The deadline for entries is 22nd May 2026.
Nick Juba, CEO of Lantra, commented: “The LBEL Awards recognise the dedication, achievement, and potential of those shaping the future of the land-based and environmental industries.
“We encourage colleges, universities, training providers and employers to put forward their exceptional learners, whether students or apprentices, across all categories. Their nominations help us celebrate and champion the very best emerging talent within our sector.”
Alex Payne, CEO of Landex, commented: “Every year we have seen extraordinary learners demonstrating skill, resilience, and a genuine commitment to shaping the sectors future. I strongly encourage colleges, universities and training providers to nominate their outstanding students for the fourth Land Based and Environment Learner of the Year Awards.
“These awards are a powerful opportunity to recognise excellence, celebrate achievement, and showcase the remarkable talent developing within our industry.”
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 2024 and September 2026.
The award 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
- Sports Turf and Greenkeeping
There are overall awards for:
- Research Student of the Year
- Apprentice of the Year
- Overall Winner.
