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The search begins to find 2012’s most wildlife friendly farmer in Wales
3 February 2012
Dana Thomas
Communications Officer
E-mail: dana.thomas@rspb.org.uk
The RSPB has launched its annual search to find the farmer that does the most for nature.
The Nature of Farming Award gives recognition to those farmers who whilst farming their land for food production, manage to do so in a way, which helps our native wildlife thrive and gives homes to some of our most threatened species. The competition is run in partnership by the RSPB, Butterfly Conservation and Plantlife, and sponsored by The Telegraph.
The conservation charity has already received a high level of entries, with applications being accepted until the 20th April.
Last year’s Welsh winners, were father and son team Richard and Gethin Owen from Nant yr Efail farm near Conwy. Gethin Owen says of their experience: “We were extremely proud to have been chosen as the Welsh winners of the RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award last year. It was a huge boost to our confidence and proved that what we’ve been doing in terms of farming, conservation and sustainability is working.
After the closing date, entries will be shortlisted to eight regional winners, and then a panel of experts will decide which four should go through to the national finals. There will also be a highly commended category, to recognise the efforts of farmers who have excelled in their support of farmland wildlife.
The UK public will decide the overall winner by casting their votes online, over the phone, via The Telegraph, or at country shows throughout the summer. Last year the competition attracted an unprecedented number of votes, with over 22,000 people backing their favourite finalist.
RSPB Cymru Project Officer Mark Vercoe said: “There are so many great farmers out there who have taken the small and simple steps, like creating wader scrapes and managing species rich hay meadows, which makes a real difference to health of our countryside.
“The standard of entries and winners since we launched this award in 2008 is truly inspirational. I can’t wait to see this year's gems.”
All the details on how to enter can be found on the RSPB website at – www.rspb.org.uk/natureoffarming
The EU LIFE+ Programme funds RSPB work which supports wildlife-friendly farming that furthers sustainable development.