A FARMER’S labour of love has won a top conservation award. Andrew de Garis took the main prize in the 19th annual Insurance Corporation Conservation Awards – the second time he has gained the major honour.

The St Saviour’s farmer, who also won in 2004, accepted the award for two projects: a wet meadow at Les Domaines, St Peter’s, and an area of woodland and grassland at Les Fauxquets. St Mary and St Michael Roman Catholic Primary won the schools category for its gardening and conservation project, which was started only in April. Both the school and Mr de Garis received £2,000.

Mr de Garis (pictured) was thrilled to win. ‘What I’m trying to achieve in the meadow is the highest possible range of biodiversity,’ he said. ‘It’s been a very enjoyable project and it is really coming into its own at the moment. It will be at its best in the next few weeks.’