Four students from Hartpury University and Hartpury College have been named as finalists in the Land-Based & Environment Learner Awards 2026, recognising their outstanding achievements, dedication and potential across the animal, agriculture and environmental sectors.
Three Hartpury University students and one Hartpury College student have reached the finals of the prestigious national awards, which celebrate exceptional learners and apprentices preparing for careers in the land-based and environmental industries.
Delivered in partnership by Lantra and Landex (Land Based Colleges and Universities Aspiring to Excellence), the Land-Based & Environment Learner Awards 2026 shine a spotlight on emerging talent across further and higher education, recognising individuals whose passion, commitment and achievements are helping to shape the future of the sector.
Hartpury's four finalists have been shortlisted across a diverse range of categories, reflecting both their individual achievements and the breadth of specialist education available across Hartpury University and Hartpury College.
Representing Hartpury University, Katie Colcombe, a graduate of BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare, has been shortlisted in the Animal Care and Management category, which covers specialisms including zookeeping, aquatics and dog grooming.
She is joined by Alisha Utting, who is studying MSc Biodiversity Conservation and has been recognised in the Environment, Conservation and Countryside Management category.
Fellow Hartpury University student Natalie Powdrill-Wells, a PhD candidate, is a finalist in the Animal Welfare and Management category, which includes equine.
Completing Hartpury's line-up is William Hogg, who represents Hartpury College. William is studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture and has been shortlisted in the Agriculture category.
Their success highlights Hartpury's commitment to preparing students for rewarding careers in land-based industries through specialist teaching, hands-on learning, industry connections and access to professional facilities.
Claire Whitworth, Principal of Hartpury College, said: "We're incredibly proud to see four students from Hartpury University and Hartpury College recognised as finalists in these prestigious national awards.
"To have students shortlisted across such a diverse range of categories is a fantastic reflection of their hard work, dedication and ambition, as well as the specialist teaching, facilities and practical opportunities available at Hartpury.
"These students represent the next generation of professionals entering industries that are vital to our future, from agriculture and animal welfare to environmental conservation.
"We wish Katie, Alisha, Natalie and William every success at the awards ceremony and look forward to celebrating their achievements."
The awards recognise the important contribution that talented and motivated learners make to the future of the land-based and environmental industries, while raising awareness of the wide range of career opportunities available in areas such as agriculture, animal welfare and management, environmental conservation, equine and countryside management.
Hartpury has a strong track record of success at the awards, with students receiving national recognition across several categories in 2025, including veterinary nursing, animal care, equine and research.
The winners of the Land-Based & Environment Learner Awards 2026 will be announced at a special ceremony on Thursday 3 December 2026, at the National Conference Centre in Solihull. The event will bring together learners, educators and industry representatives from across the country to celebrate excellence and achievement within the sector.
For more information about the Land-Based & Environment Learner Awards 2026, visit the Lantra website.
