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 Thursday 3 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 actively supported by the farming industry with input from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Tenant Farmers Association (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.”

Dorothy Fairburn, of the Country Land and Business Association said, '“The CLA is proud to be part of the Future of Farming Awards. It was extremely encouraging last year to see how many of our region’s farmers are nurturing wildlife and enhancing natural habitats. Protecting our environment has never been more important and I would encourage farmers and landowners to enter this year’s awards to demonstrate the great work that takes place in Yorkshire.”

Laurie Norris of the National Farmers Union said, 'Here in Yorkshire we are blessed with some of the most fantastic countryside England has to offer. Seeing the nominations for last years Future of Farming Awards reminded me of the huge part our regions farmers and landowners play in maintaining these areas. These awards recognise the hard work that is often overlooked, so I would urge people to get involved in the awards in 2008.'

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.

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.

To register your interest in applying for the award e-mail your regional Natural England Future of Farming Award contact: howard.botting@naturalengland.org.uk

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Notes for editors:
Last year’s Yorkshire and Humber regional winner was the Throup Family who run a mixed arable and livestock farm in Nun Monkton near York. On the farm they grow a range of arable crops, they also have a dairy herd and free range laying hens. Their aim has been to teach children about farming and the rural environment and make them more aware of where their food comes from. The farm has also been opened up for horse riders and ramblers by creating several new bridleways and signposted walks around the farm.

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

For regional information contact Emma MacDonald 0113 2303533 emma.macdonald@naturalengland.org.uk or Howard Botting 01609 707439 howard.botting@naturalengland.org.uk in the regional press office

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.