Natural England

Farmers and farm managers across the North West have only three weeks remaining in which to enter Natural England's 2008 Future of Farming Awards.

This prestigious Awards Scheme - now in its second year – recognises and farmers who have integrated wildlife, landscapes and access management with more sustainable farming production on their farms. 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."

To enter the awards, visit the Natural England website at:
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/landmanagement/default.htm

Application is easy - the straightforward form asks for details of the applicant's farm and for a short summary of achievements in environmentally-friendly farming. This includes adopting sustainable farming techniques which enhance the landscape and conserve wildlife. The form should take only 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Alternatively, the form can be completed by a Natural England adviser on a farmer's behalf. The closing date for applications is 20th June.

Three farmers will be selected from the region to attend the final awards ceremony in November. Last year, Huw Rowlands of Grange Farm, Mickle Trafford, Chester, won the regional award for his innovative approach in combining a niche market and forging partnerships with the environment and education in mind. Grange Farm is now in its first year under Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

Huw and his family rear a native English breed of Red Poll cattle in the lush meadows of the River Gowy valley. Management of the bankside vegetation and sensitive ditch restoration provides a haven for water voles and otters. He has also taken part in open farm visits for schools and the public. An arrangement with Chester Zoo to donate willow branches from pollards on the farm to feed the zoo’s hungry herds of giraffes, elephants and rhinoceros demonstrates an innovative use of a traditionally harvested product.

Also recognised in last year's awards was Malcolm and Marty Handley of Croasdale House Farm, Clitheroe, Lancashire. They were commended for re-introducing pedigree Belted Galloway cattle to graze the moorland to encourage the reintroduction of heather on their land, which has been designed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Malcolm has also restored a wildflower meadow and built an otter’s den, known as a holt, on the river bank and provides educational access for local schools.

For more information about the awards, visit:
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/campaigns/landmanagement/default.htm
or call Richard Lord on 0161 2340222.

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Notes for editors:

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.

Natural England’s environmental schemes include Environmental Stewardship which was launched on 3 March 2005. It is composed of three tiers:-

• Entry Level Stewardship (ELS), a whole farm scheme which aims to encourage farmers and land managers across England to deliver simple but effective environmental management;
• Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS), which is open to farmers who manage all or part of their land organically;
• Higher Level Stewardship (HLS), which, when combined with ELS or OELS options, aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority areas.

Environmental Stewardship builds on the very best practice already evident in British farming. In particular, it takes forward Defra's two flagship agri-environment schemes, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Stewardship. The primary objectives of the scheme are to:

• Conserve wildlife (biodiversity).
• Maintain and enhance landscape quality and character.
• Protect the historic environment and natural resources.
• Promote public access and understanding of the countryside.
• Natural resource protection.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF NATURAL ENGLAND BY COI NEWS & PR NORTH WEST CONTACT DR SUSAN CLARK ON: 0777 378 3643