Natural England

Two farmers are today celebrating their success in winning Natural England's 'Future of Farming Award' in the South West, and will now go forward to represent the region at the national finals at Burghley House in Stamford on 15 November. Andy Bradford from Brimpts Farm, Dartmoor, and Dominic Fairman from South Penquite Farm, Bodmin, stood out for environmental excellence and innovation in wildlife friendly farming, and their work to help people have greater access to the natural environment.

Speaking today at the regional award ceremony, Janette Ward, Natural England's South West Regional Officer and the chair of the regional judging panel commented, "Both are well deserved regional winners, having developed undoubtedly successful businesses whilst ensuring long term environmental benefits and a secure future for wildlife on their farms. They are highly impressive examples of entrepreneurs who fully understand their business and its interaction with and dependence on a high quality environment."

Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: "I'm delighted to preside over Natural England's first 'Future of Farming' Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in English farming. The Awards will give all sixteen regional finalists the recognition they deserve as farmers who have set a new standard for environmentally friendly farming, and provided inspiration to others."

John Mortimer, Regional Director for the Countryside Landowners Association, and a member of the judging panel commented: "Sustainable farms of the future will have to be profitable, environmentally sound and socially aware businesses. The competition standard was very high but our award winners have each excelled and set examples for others to follow. Andy has taken all the potential assets available to him at Brimpts Farm and integrated them into a model sustainable enterprise in which each component supports and enhances the others while Dominic has done an excellent job of improving and then describing the natural environment of South Penquite through educational farm visits and a comprehensive website demonstrating that good communication is also an important aspect to be incorporated into a successful farming future."

ENDS

Notes for Editors

1. 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.

2. Natural England took over responsibility for the delivery of Environmental Stewardship from the Rural Development Service on 1 October 2006.

3. Environmental Stewardship 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.

4. 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 new 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 the Government News Network South West.