Natural England

Northumberland farmer David Thompson has been named as this year’s regional winner of Natural England’s 'Future of Farming' Award.

This prestigious Awards Scheme – now in its second year – celebrates environmental excellence and innovation in wildlife-friendly farming, and showcases how first-rate environmental land management and sound farm business can go hand in hand.

The Thompson family have farmed at Broxfield, near Alnwick, since the 1820s. The farm is a haven for wildlife, with many features which encourage insects, birds and mammals. There are grass field margins, strips sown with plants that provide wild bird seed, and nectar and pollen sources for insects throughout the farm. Ladybirds and other beneficial insects help control pests such as aphids in crops. Such a rich harvest of insect life means that bird numbers and diversity of species are high.

All of the 195 hectares at Broxfield are farmed organically, producing cereals and beef from a herd of Aberdeen Angus Cross suckler cows. Lambs graze the clover rich pastures over the winter months. The clover and farm yard manure from the cattle adds fertility to the soil.

Mr Thompson has opened his farm up for children. Many schools visit Broxfield through The Country Trust, a registered charity. They learn how their food is produced, about the diverse range of wildlife on the farm, and enjoy the lovely views and landscape. The children thoroughly enjoy the visits and teachers are keen to return. An historic blacksmith’s workshop has been converted into a classroom with toilet and hand washing facilities. As well as receiving £13,500 from Natural England, and contributions from other sources, Mr Thompson has invested his own money in the project.

Broxfield Farm now goes forward to the next round of judging, which will decide the national winner of the ‘Future of Farming awards 2008’.

David Thompson said: “At Broxfield we try to farm in harmony with the environment, while providing opportunities for visiting groups to find out more about how the farm works and how we produce food. I am delighted to be chosen as the North East’s regional finalist in the Future of Farming awards and to be able to represent Northumberland in the final round.”

The award is supported by all three main farmer and landowner organisations in England: the Country Land & Business Association (CLA), the National Farmers Union and the Tenant Farmers Association. Each of the North East finalists was visited by a judging panel, including Christine Venus of Natural England, Annabelle Morshead of CLA and Louise White of the NFU.

Christine Venus of Natural England chaired the regional judging panel. She said: “David Thompson is a worthy winner and Broxfield is an excellent example of a farm where the agri-business is fully integrated with the needs of wildlife. His farm is providing much needed feeding, nesting and breeding habitat for farmland birds in Northumberland."

Annabelle Morshead, CLA North East Regional Chairman, added: “The judges were very impressed by the welcome that Broxfield Farm offers to visitors, and especially local school children. People come from far and wide to enjoy the countryside and wildlife of North East England, and we owe a great debt of thanks to the region’s farmers who play a vital part in maintaining it. The CLA is delighted to join with Natural England in recognising this role through the Future of Farming Awards.”

Louise White of the NFU said: “David’s passion for what he does was evident throughout our visit. Not only does he put the environment at the heart of his approach to farming, but he is also an excellent ambassador for the industry, working tirelessly to present a very positive picture of local food production.”

Broxfield Farm was one of three farms in Northumberland to reach the regional finals of Natural England’s Future of Farming awards. Two other farmers in Northumberland were highly commended: Simon Henderson at West Fenton farm near Wooler and John Renner at Bellshill Farm near Belford. Both of these farmers also carry out excellent environmental work (see note 3). All the regional finalists will be invited to the national award event held on 19th of November where the national winner will be announced. All finalists will receive Future of Farming Award trophies.

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For additional information, please contact:
David Hirst, Natural England regional media officer: 0191 229 3388 or 0782 7821679
Jim Milner, Future of Farming Awards co-ordinator, Natural England North East Region: 0191 229 5465

Additional notes:

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. Natural England conserves and enhances the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

2. The criteria used for judging this year’s award reflects Natural England’s integrated approach to management of the natural environment. The regional finalists were chosen because they demonstrate:

• Innovative land management practices that boost biodiversity, public access opportunities and landscape conservation.
• A good understanding of the economic, social and environmental opportunities that biodiversity, public access and landscape conservation brings.
• Pioneering management of the natural environment in one of access, biodiversity or landscape that sets a new standard for the future.

3. John Renner farms 136 hectares of arable crops and a flock of 220 breeding ewes. The farm managed using ‘Integrated Farming Methods’ (IFM) which means fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs are kept to a minimum through constant monitoring of the crops growth. Careful selection of seed verities and a 7 year rotation also helps reduce build ups of weeds and pests. The farm is also open for school and other group visits, and publishes bird counts and other information on its website.

Simon Henderson is currently in organic conversion at his 242 hectare farm. A range of crops are grown at West Fenton including; potatoes, wheat, peas and carrots

Each finalist has its own web site – for more information click on:
David Thompson: Broxfield farm
Simon Henderson: West Fenton Farm
John Renner: North Bellshill Farm

4. Environmental Stewardship was launched on 3 March 2005. It is a Government-funded scheme, managed by Natural England, and open to all farmers. The Scheme funds the delivery of environmental benefits through agriculture and aims to conserve wildlife, maintain and enhance our landscape quality and character, protect our natural resources, and promote public access to the countryside.

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 is the latest phase of 21 years of agri-environment schemes which have brought real benefit to the countryside.

These schemes have:

• Delivered 5 million hectares across England under Environmental Stewardship agreements
• Restored more than 17,000 kilometres of hedgerow
• Created more than 4,800 kilometres of footpaths, and 2,400 kilometres of cycle paths and bridleways
• Assisted recovery of a range of species including the stone curlew, bittern, twite, cirl bunting, and chough
• And we are on target to bring 95% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest into favourable condition by 2010.

Issued by Natural England North East
The Quadrant, Newburn Riverside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8NZ
David Hirst - 0191 2293388 or 0782 7821679