Natural England

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

The award scheme, which opened on Monday 7th 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 TFA, and help from the CLA and NFU who are taking an active role in the judging process.

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 2007 Future of Farming Award winner was the inventor of a revolutionary new way of collecting and sowing wild seeds to help restore medieval hay meadows in Sussex. 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.

Last year, two regional finalists from the South West went forward to the national finals; Andy Bradford from Brimpts Farm on Dartmoor, and Dominic Fairman from South Penquite Farm in Bodmin who both stood out for innovation in wildlife friendly farming, and their work to help people have greater access to the natural environment.

Janette Ward, Natural England’s South West Regional Director said “The South West of England has a large farming community and undoubtedly has a high number of successful businesses who work to ensure long term environmental benefits and a secure future for wildlife on their farms. I hope to see a high number of entrants this year so we can send the best in the west to the national finals and demonstrate the environmental excellence within our region”.

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

To register your interest in applying for the award, e-mail Christine Goodall at christinegoodall@naturalengland.org.uk (Natural England Future of Farming Award South West contact).

Notes for editors:

For further information contact Natural England’s South West Press Officer: Joanna Busk on joanna.busk@naturalengland.org.uk, 0117 959 8550 / 07900 608440

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.