By Hayley Sherwin, Volunteer & Farmer Alliance Project Officer, Northern Ireland
It is that time of year once more. It is time for the Nature of Farming Awards and here in Northern Ireland we have selected our winner.
Nature is in trouble right across our countryside, but there are many farmers across Northern Ireland who are doing great work to create space for nature on their farms. The entries to the competition were of a very high standard this year and after visiting the farms as part of the judging process, we have awarded a selection of farmers for their efforts and commitment to conserving wildlife.
Last year, the Northern Ireland winner, Jack Kelly, was awarded a very close second place in the national competition. Well done to Jack! This year we hope the Northern Ireland winner will make it to the top!
Who is the Northern Ireland winner of 2013 I hear you ask? Drum roll please....
Tim McClelland from Tandragee, County Armagh! His farm in Tandragee is an amazing example of how a big, commercially successful farm can support a diverse range of wildlife. Tim sows wild bird cover and retains the cereal stubbles after the harvest to provide seed-eating birds with food during the winter. His rough grass margins around his fields provide habitat for insects (which in turn feeds young chicks). Tim has also recently planted nearly 500 metres of new hedgerow which will create nesting habitat for farmland birds and provide commuting routes for farmland wildlife. As a result of his efforts, Tim sees seed-eating species like the yellowhammer, tree sparrow and the linnet, and the judges were also treated to the sight of a pair of lapwing nesting on his farm (not a common occurrence!).
Northern Ireland Nature of Farming Winner 2013, Tim McClelland is presented with his award by RSPB NI Director, Dr. James Robinson and DARD Permanent Secretary, Noel Lavery
Beyond all the work he does on his own farm, Tim is a real ambassador for wildlife-friendly farmers. As an Arable and Environmental Focus Farmer Tim hosts farm visits and has held Open Farm Events to highlight the work of arable farmers across the country.
The work that Tim and all the farmers like him (and there are lots) do is so important as nature is being squeezed from every corner of Northern Ireland. Increased urbanisation, over-development, poor planning and intensive agriculture are all reasons for this, and we’re working on all of them, but it’s farmers like Tim who make a real difference on the ground. They’re the real wildlife heroes.
This year four farmers were also awarded Highly Commended for their efforts, innovative ideas and commitment to helping wildlife. These were Maurice McHenry from Ballintoy, County Antrim; Patrick Reihill from Innisrooske, County Fermanagh; Maurice Law from Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh and Cecil Nelson from Clough, County Down. All of these farmers are helping to ensure that farmland wildlife has a safe future.
Tim was presented with his award by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Permanent Secretary, Noel Lavery, at the Balmoral Show at the new Maze location. The sun was shining, the crowds were out and the show was a huge success. Tim will now go on to be considered for the title of the UK’s most wildlife friendly farmer. We obviously think he should win (not that we are biased or anything!)
Nature of Farming Award Winner and Highly Commended farmers were presented with their awards at the Balmoral Show. (L-R 1st row): Maurice McHenry, RSPB NI Director Dr. James Robinson, Butterfly Conservation’s Peter Courtney, NI Winner Tim McClelland, DARD Permanent Secretary, RSPB’s Hayley Sherwin (2nd row) and Cecil Nelson’s children, Matthew and Rebecca.