Natural England launches the Future of Farming awards 2008

Natural England are inviting farmers and farm managers across England (UK) to enter Natural England’s 2008 Future of Farming Awards.

The award scheme, which opened for registration 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 actively supported by the farming industry with input from the CLA, NFU and TFA.

Last years Future of Farming Award 2006 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. Keith invented a revolutionary way of collecting and sowing wild seeds to help restore medieval hay meadows in Sussex.

The achievements of the last years finalists will be featured at Natural England’s stand at this year’s Royal Show (3- 6 July)

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.

To find out more about the award click here

Comments

[Tim]

It is nice to see that there is recognition being made to farmers who are finding sustainable ways to run their farms. Sometimes it seems that farmers are lost in the picture on sustainability or are painted as the "bad guys" towards the environment.

[Tim]

It is nice to see that there is recognition being made to farmers who are finding sustainable ways to run their farms. Sometimes it seems that farmers are lost in the picture on sustainability or are painted as the "bad guys" towards the environment.