The Farming Life and Danske Bank Awards are the highlight of the farming social calendar in Northern Ireland, celebrating excellence in the industry across a range of categories.
For the second year, RSPB NI sponsored the Wildlife Friendly Farmer of the Year award and we were overwhelmed by the number and quality of entries.
It was heart-warming to meet so many farming families who are serious about wildlife conservation on their land and who go out of their way to ensure their farming practices enhance local wildlife.
However, it was County Down farmer David Sandford who clinched the title, closely followed by David Foster (Derrylin) and Brian Knipe (Ballymoney).
Mr Sandford’s arable farm near Strangford is a haven for nature, including yellowhammer, skylark and Irish hare.
David is also well-known for his work on an ambitious project to reintroduce grey partridge.
Wild grey partridges were declared extinct in Northern Ireland in 1992. However the species was common on Mr Sandford’s father’s farm almost 40 years ago and he is determined to see them returned to our countryside where they belong.
The judges described David as a ‘shining example’ and said they were ‘blown away by his passion and dedication for the re-introduction of grey partridge and his commitment to conserving all the wildlife on his farm’.
It was wonderful to see all the nominees recognised for the work they do to give nature a home on their land. They really are ‘custodians of the countryside’ and an inspiration to us all.
Down farmer David Sandford accepts his trophy from Clive Mellon, chair of the RSPB NI Committee. (Credit McAuley Multimedia)