Norfolk wildlife conservation heroes awarded Sydney Long Medal

Carl Chapman and Alice Liddle have been named the winners of this year’s Sydney Long Memorial Medal, awarded every two years by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) and the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society (NNNS).

In a break from tradition during NWT’s centenary year, the medal was awarded to two recipients during a ceremony at NWT’s Cley Marshes reserve.

Carl Chapman is one of two winners of the 2026 Sydney Long Memorial Medal (Image: NWT)

Carl Chapman is a former chairman of the NNNS who used his considerable knowledge of Norfolk nature to educate and inform others, both by leading wildlife tours and writing publications.

He initiated the NNNS liaison committee, which enables cooperation between Norfolk wildlife organisations, and more recently he became a county recorder for cetaceans, last year publishing Whales and Whaling in Norfolk, documenting cetacean sightings since 1255.

Tony Leech, former chairman of the NNNS, said: “Carl has two passions, wildlife and educating people about it – he enthused many about the special wildlife in Norfolk and beyond.

“He is a worthy recipient of this significant accolade.”

Mr Chapman said: “I would like to express my profound appreciation in the nomination for the Sydney Long medal award. The presentation was far from expected or even considered.”

Alice Liddle (right) receiving the 2026 Sydney Long Memorial Medal from Tony Leech (Image: NWT)

Alice Liddle was honoured for her long-standing voluntary service to nature conservation, especially through her leadership roles with Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

She has served as a trustee for nine years, including six as chair of trustees, and now continues as vice president.

She said: “I am thrilled and humbled to receive this award and have enjoyed every minute of my work supporting Norfolk Wildlife Trust.”

Eliot Lyne, chief executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: “Alice has led Norfolk Wildlife Trust with passion, skill and a calm confidence.

“With her support, we reach our centenary in rude health and with growing ambition to tackle the significant challenges Norfolk’s nature faces.

“We are delighted to recognise Alice, whose immense skill, generosity and unwavering commitment to Norfolk’s wildlife have made a great many of the successes we are celebrating this year possible.”

The medals are awarded in memory of Dr Sydney Long, founder of the Norfolk Naturalists Trust in 1926, now the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, who died in 1939.