Cousins win Countryside Farmer of the Year at the ‘Oscars’ of the farming industry
8 October 2010
Brian and Patrick Barker from Suffolk, who describe themselves as conservationists and farmers, have scooped the prestigious Countryside Farmer of the Year Award. They were presented with the trophy by Natural England’s Chair Poul Christensen during the Farmers Weekly Awards 2010 at London's Grosvenor House hotel last night (7 October).
More than 1200 guests, made up of farmers, finalists and industry VIPs, attended the event, compered by Liza Tarbuck.
Brian, 28 and Patrick, 30, who run Lodge and Kiln Farm at Westhorpe near Stowmarket, were praised by judges for their enthusiasm and good ideas for the future of their agri-business. Their dedication to helping local species including barn owls, yellowhammers and other wildlife was also highlighted.
Natural England’s David Whiting is Brian and Patrick’s Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) adviser. He said: “Their passion shines through. The whole family, including those that do not actively work on the farm, are committed to farming in a way that is both profitable but also kind to the environment.
“In Brian and Patrick you have two cousins successfully working together on a family farm and displaying incredible passion for British agriculture as well as wildlife. They are equally happy talking farming as they are ringing buzzards, or photographing the wildlife of Westhorpe.
“They are great ambassadors for what can be achieved through Natural England’s stewardship schemes and very deserving of the title of Countryside Farmers of the Year.”
Brian and Patrick took over the family-run farm six years ago and soon after joined Natural England’s newly launched Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and HLS schemes. One describes himself as a conservationist/farmer, the other as a farmer/conservationist.
“HLS has given us a good start,” said Brian. “We did most of the application process ourselves to show our parents we were serious. We also wanted to put our own stamp on the farm.
“We are very conscious of looking to the future and want to take the farm forward in our own way, taking wildlife into consideration with everything we do and HLS helps us do that.”
The cousins have modernised from a traditional arable pig farm to a thriving farm ecosystem with a range of habitats including ponds, hedgerows and grassland. They used the “green hay seed” technique of taking mown grass from the village green to seed their fields. In addition they have planted wild birdseed mix and so far have attracted 20 new species of birds.
Another important aspect of the HLS agreement gives financial support to open up access routes and host educational visits, allowing the public to find out more about modern farming, food production and wildlife habitats on the farm. Over the last year more than 600 people have visited the farm including ramblers, history groups, young peoples’ groups and students.
The runners up were Jonathan Birchall from Pilkington Farms, Hitchin, Hertfordshire and Graham Warburton from Depmore Farm, Kingsley, Cheshire.
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Notes for editors:
1. Farmers Weekly Awards
The Farmers Weekly Awards have become a symbol of the innovation and commitment of British farmers. Now in their sixth year, the Awards have recognised nearly 250 finalists and winners for their achievements, innovation and hard work. Farmers Weekly together with its industry sponsors, which span the whole of the food chain, want British farmers to get the recognition they deserve. By telling their stories they hope to spread best practice, inspire others and influence the public about the role that farmers play in today’s society. Further information on the Farmers Weekly Awards can be found at: http://www.fwi.co.uk/awards-website/awards-home/
2. Countryside Farmer of the Year Award
The Countryside Farmer of the Year Award recognises farmers and land managers for their hard work and dedication and asks for businesses to exhibit how they work alongside environmental measures; work with local communities or the wider public; and how they are working towards protecting and improving biodiversity, the historic environment, soil, water and environmental value of their farm business.
3. Environmental Stewardship
Natural England administers Environmental Stewardship schemes, comprising Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS), on behalf of Defra. These agri-environment schemes reward farmers and land managers who conserve and enhance their natural and historic environment.
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
- We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
- We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
- We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
- We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
- We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
For further information (media only) contact: Graham Tibbetts in the National Press Office on 0300 060 2617, graham.tibbetts@naturalengland.org.uk out of hours 07810 636344. For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk
