Myerscough celebrates triple success at 2025 Land-based & Environment Learner Awards

The LBEL Awards are organised by Lantra, a specialist in training and qualification development for the land-based and environment sector, and Landex, a membership organisation representing land-based colleges and universities. The ceremony was attended by finalists, their families, tutors from land-based colleges, and industry professionals. 

With the land-based and environment sector facing challenges in recruiting new people into the industries, the LBEL Awards aim to shine a light on the future leaders of the sector, inspiring more people to embark on a career in one of the industries.

Helen Ashton was the proud recipient of two awards – Animal Care and Management Learner of the Year and overall Higher Education Student of the Year.

Helen is a tutor in Myerscough’s animal studies team, teaching at both further and higher education level, and currently responsible for the delivery of the recently introduced T-Level programme. She is also studying part time for an MSc (Masters) in Animal Science at University Centre Myerscough.

Her energy and enthusiasm for lifelong learning is infectious and, despite spending less time with the group than her full-time peers, her positive contributions have seen everyone else push to work at her level. Her thought-provoking and insightful contributions often generate rich discussions.

The skills and knowledge that Helen is attaining through her MSc are being utilised to shape the minds of Myerscough’s Level 3 and 4 groups. Helen’s degree level students consistently praise the content and quality of her sessions, stating that she delivers it in a way that makes it easy to understand.

Since starting her MSc the overall grade profile for Helen’s degree students has increased by an average of 6%, indicative of Helen’s commitment to improving both her knowledge and her teaching skills.

Meanwhile Jack Langley was named the winner of Greenkeeping and Sportsturf Learner of the Year award.

29-year-old Jack is currently the Deputy Head Groundsperson at the Ashton Gate Stadium – the home of Bristol City FC and the Bristol Bears rugby union team, while undertaking a Level 3 Advanced Sportsturf Technician apprenticeship with Myerscough.

Since starting his career with no prior experience, Jack has worked his way up to managing dual-sport playing surfaces. He is committed to creating opportunities for young professionals and driving positive change in the grounds management industry.

At Ashton Gate Stadium, Jack plays a pivotal role in overseeing day-to-day operations across the venue’s sports surfaces. He has gained a reputation for problem-solving and implementing practical solutions, all whilst maintaining high-quality playing surfaces.

Beyond his core role, Jack has contributed extensively to the wider industry and has championed initiatives such as the ‘Schools Into Stadia’ programme, which introduces local young people to careers in grounds management, and engaged with media outlets to promote the profession, shining a spotlight on the expertise that groundspeople bring to sport.

Myerscough has boasted winners every year the awards have been staged, since the inaugural event in 2023.

Several other Myerscough students were shortlisted across the categories, reflecting excellence in academic performance, practical skill, research engagement, and commitment to their chosen industries.

Other Myerscough learners shortlisted included:

Jack Issacson was named as a finalist in the Forestry and Arboriculture Learner of the Year category. 19-year-old Jack completed a Level 3 CG Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture with Myerscough in summer 2025, overcoming a number of challenges to earn himself a triple distinction.

Ruth Etches was named a finalist in the Greenkeeping and Sportsturf Learner of the Year category. The 32-year-old is on a Level 3 Advanced Sportsturf Technician apprenticeship with Myerscough.

George Lunnon was named a finalist in the Greenkeeping and Sportsturf Learner of the Year category. The 26-year-old is on a Level 2 Sportsturf Operative apprenticeship.

Lucy Rogers was named a finalist in the Greenkeeping and Sportsturf Learner of the Year category. The 22-year-old is on a Myerscough Level 2 Golf Greenkeeping apprenticeship.

Lucy Bingham was named a finalist in the Equine and Farriery Learner of the Year category. Lucy has been an exceptional student throughout her three years at Myerscough, managing autism, dyslexia, and anxiety to successfully complete the two-year City & Guilds Level 3 Advanced Extended Technical Diploma in Horse Management, with a final grade of Distinction.

Everyone at Myerscough is incredibly proud of our students’ success at this year’s awards, and the recognition all of our finalists have received highlights both their individual talents and the strength of the teaching and support they receive at Myerscough.

The evening, held at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham, and was presented by BBC wildlife and science presenter Kate Humble.

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