Shropshire uni honorary degree a ‘highlight’ for conservationist

The graduation ceremony on 16 September will see Matson give a speech to the students graduating alongside him.

“To be able to stand up in front of [them] and try and give them some guidance” is a big deal, he said, adding that the students “are our future”.

Farmer and entrepreneur Olly Harrison is receiving an honorary degree for his popular YouTube channel that gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of farming.

Christine Tacon CBE is to receive a fellowship for her work, including her role as a director of the Co-Op Group and as the chair of the BBC Rural Affairs Committee.

Agricultural scientist professor Grant Edwards, who is is the vice-chancellor of Te Whare Wanaka o Aoraki Lincoln University, a specialist institution in New Zealand, is also receiving a fellowship.

Felicity Finch, who plays former Harper Adams student Ruth Archer on the BBC’s The Archers programme, will receive an honorary doctorate. Her character on the Radio Four drama first appeared in 1987.

Comedian, actor and presenter Ed Byrne, who has been on television for three decades, will also receive an honorary doctorate. Byrne studied horticulture at Strathclyde University.

Shropshire business leader John O’Brien MBE rounds out the group of seven, receiving an honour for founding Anthropy. The leadership platform, which holds an annual gathering at the Eden Project, brings together people from across society to consider Britain’s role in the world and its future.

In a statement, Harper Adams’ vice-chancellor, professor Ken Sloan, said he is “delighted” to see “distinguished people” from Shropshire and specialist industries being recognised.

“The fact that this recognition comes at the start of our 125th birthday year makes them particularly special,” he said.

Prof Sloan added that the university is looking forward to “sustaining a close connection” with the the honorary alumni in the years ahead.