Proud of coming from and living in the East? We need you. We are calling on members of the public to decide if Robert Law, a farmer in Eastern England, is the UK’s most wildlife friendly farmer.
After months sifting through hundreds of entries from farmers doing wonderful things for nature on their land, the judges for this year’s RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award have made the tough decision and whittled it down to four regional finalists, one of which is from Hertfordshire.
Now it’s over to you to decide their fate as voting opens today (Friday 22 July).
The RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award aims to celebrate farmers who do wonderful things for wildlife and single out the one who has done the most on their land to help special countryside wildlife. Robert Law from Royston in Hertfordshire has a 1,500ha conservation grade farm and is a shining example of the integration of wildlife friendly farming into a successful commercial business. His land includes, chalk grassland, woodlands and 1,200ha of arable production. Key species like, corn bunting, grey partridge, lapwing and skylark abound, and careful sheep grazing allows rare chalkhill blue butterflies and pasque flowers to flourish on the heath.
With a recent survey finding 93% of people value the countryside for relaxation, fresh air and peace, and 94% think it’s as important as ever to protect it, the RSPB is more determined than ever to reward farmers who work in an environmentally-friendly way.
Simon Tonkin, Senior Farmland Conservation Officer for the RSPB said: “Robert Law is an exceptional farmer. He combines farming practices with specific management for farm wildlife with real passion. He has thought carefully about how to locate important wildlife measures on the farm for specific species, whilst maximising the advantages to the farm business. For most this would be enough, but Robert also understands the wider environmental issues, such as carbon output, and is planning measures to combat this. It is clear that Robert is an enthusiastic advocate for farming and for protecting the wildlife on his land, which means that others can benefit from his knowledge and enthusiasm. Robert is a true guardian of the countryside, not just for the wildlife that shares his land, but also for the people that enjoy it.”
From building beetle banks and planting hedgerows to restoring wild flower meadows, managing woodland and adding skylark plots – many farmers like Robert across the UK are putting passion and dedication into protecting the habitats of all kinds of native wildlife – and not at the expense of food production and commercial success. You are invited to decide the UK winner by casting their votes by phone, post, online, via The Telegraph, or at various country shows until the end of August. Information on how to vote can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/farmvote and everyone who votes in this year's competition will be entered into a prize draw to win a two night break for two people at a luxury hotel.
Votes can be cast until 31st August 2011 and the winner will be announced in September.