Natural England

Farmers and farm managers across England are invited to enter Natural England’s 2008 Future of Farming Awards.

The award scheme, which opens on Monday 7 April, recognises and celebrates farmers in England who have integrated wildlife, landscape and access management with more sustainable farming production on their farms. The awards are being supported by the farming industry with input from the CLA, NFU and TFA.

Launching the awards for the second year, Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: “These awards showcase how first rate environmental land management and sound farm business can go hand in hand.

“Natural England believes that the future of farming lies in adopting techniques that not only produce high quality food, but also enhance the beauty of the English landscape and conserve and protect our much-loved native wildlife.”

The inventor of a revolutionary new way of collecting and sowing wild seeds to help restore medieval hay meadows in Sussex was the 2007 Future of Farming Award winner. Keith Datchler of the Beech Estate, near Battle, East Sussex won the award for his work for both running a successful farm business and for protecting a precious yet threatened habitat that supports a rich mix of native wildlife, including wildflowers, butterflies and other rare insects.

In the East Midlands ,Chris Dowse, Estate manager for Sir Richard Sutton’s Settled Estates, based at Hall Farm in Stainton –le – Vale won the regional award for his innovation and achievement in managing the natural environment sustainably. David Hutchinson of Manor Farm, Strixton near Wellingborough was nominated as runner up for his commitment to biodiversity work and protection of historic landscape features.

The achievements of the 2007 finalists will be featured at Natural England’s stand at this year’s Royal Show.

Natural England’s Future of Farming Awards

The selection process for the award is designed so that no particular type or acreage of farm is favoured. The assessment looks at how well farming practices are tailored to benefit the wildlife, landscape and access opportunities of the farm. The contribution the farm makes to economic and social sustainability of the local area is also taken into account. This year farmers can apply for the award by completing a short on-line application form. Alternatively the form can be completed by a Natural England adviser on behalf of a farmer.

To find out more about the award click here.

Notes for editors:

For further information contact the Natural England Press Office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005.

For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.