Natural England

27 May 2008

The Natural England Future of Farming Award's online application form is now live and open for business.

Farmers and farm managers across England are invited to enter this prestigious Award Scheme – now in its second year – which celebrates environmental excellence and innovation in wildlife friendly farming.

Application is easy – the form asks for details of the applicants 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.

Three farmers will be selected from each region to attend a national award event in a prestigious central location later this year where they will receive coveted Future of Farming trophies. The closing date for applications is 20th June. The final awards ceremony will take place in November.

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 visit our website or contact your regional contact:

Region	Contact email address	Telephone
North West	Richard Lord	01612 340222
Yorkshire and the Humber	Howard Botting	01609 767439
North East	Jim Milner	0191 229 5465
West Midlands	Dannii Smith	01905 363468
East Midlands	Sarah Fraser	01522 561477
East of England	Andrew Smith	01223 533474
South West	Christine Goodall	01392 457406
London	Ellen Softley	0207 932 2230
South East	Antony Hart	01273 476595