Northamptonshire estate wins prestigious King’s Award for sustainability
Courteenhall Estate has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, one of the UK’s highest business honours.
The family-owned rural estate, which has been managed by the Wake family for more than 350 years, was recognised for its long-term commitment to sustainable farming, environmental stewardship and community projects.
The award, granted by His Majesty the King on the advice of the Prime Minister, celebrates outstanding achievement in sustainability.
Johnny Wake, managing partner of the estate, said the recognition “means the world” to the team.
Courteenhall manages around 2,000 acres of arable land and pasture-fed livestock using regenerative farming practices including reduced tillage, cover cropping and diverse crop rotations aimed at improving soil health and biodiversity.
The estate has also committed to becoming net zero by 2030 through carbon reduction measures, renewable energy projects and habitat restoration work including woodland and hedgerow expansion.
Beyond farming, the estate supports New Leaf Learning, a charity providing nature-based programmes for primary school children struggling to engage with education.
Courteenhall is also involved in the West Northamptonshire Good Food Plan and is preparing to launch The Knot, a new farm shop and restaurant due to open in 2027.
Dr Wake said the award would help demonstrate the estate’s commitment to combining farming, sustainability and community engagement.