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 Country Land & Business Association (CLA), National Farmers Union (NFU) and Tenants Farmers Association (TFA) 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 & protect our much-loved native wildlife.”

Last year’s awards saw an entry from the West Midlands scoop the title of `National Runner-up`. Mark and Liz Lea of Greenacres Farm, Shifnal, Shropshire won the award for their outstanding work educating school children, running a green waste composting site, a local organic vegetable box scheme and innovative rain water recycling system on their family run organic farm.

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 in the West Midlands can apply by registering interest to their regional Future of Farming Award contact Danny Smith by emailing danielle.smith@naturalengland.org.uk

Click here to find out more about the award visit and application process:

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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.