          |
Nature of Farming Award |
Northern Ireland’s Michael Calvert is the winner!
Winning the 2009 Nature of Farming Award was no mean feat for Michael Calvert - the competition was fierce – but his enthusiasm and dedication to protecting the wildlife on his 80 hectare farm shone through. Over the last three years, the number of breeding yellowhammers on his land has increased and his farming regime has no doubt been the reason for this. He has added Rough Grass Field Margins and Conservation cereal margins to his CMS agreement as well as retaining the stubbles following his spring cereals undisturbed for as long as possible, not only for yellowhammers but also for the large numbers of skylarks, tree sparrows, linnets and reed buntings that winter on his farm. EnthusiasmMichael is a well know farmer in the area, especially so for his enthusiasm for conservation. His is a showcase farm for arable options, not only because it is a great example of what can be achieved but, more importantly, because he speaks with such overwhelming passion about what he has achieved on his farm. He also integrates his passion for wildlife and his work through his website for the farm cottages, which attracts returning visitors time and time again. 'He speaks with such overwhelming passion about what he has achieved on his farm.' An area of fenland on his farm is home to breeding snipe, smooth newts and dragonflies as well as common spotted orchids, meadowsweet, marsh ragwort, marsh cinquefoil, lesser spearwort, yellow flag iris, marsh bedstraw and purple loosestrife. Bullfinches, barn owls, Irish hares, Irish stoats and butterflies make use of the newly planted hedgerows and margins as do sedge warblers, whitethroats and peacock and red admiral butterflies. Michael has also created a new area of woodland using native trees. Congratulations to Michael! Our prize draw winnerCongratulations to prize draw winner, Mr C Mc Ginn, of County Down, who wins a fabulous selection of wildlife goodies including a free subscription to Countryfile Magazine, a selection of Dorling Kindersley/RSPB books, a pair of Viking compact binoculars and a weeks stay at Nature of Farming Award winner, Michael Calvert's farm cottage. Enter the 2010 Nature of Farming AwardThe Nature of Farming Award celebrates the fantastic work farmers are already doing for wildlife - with a top prize of £1,000 for the very best! It takes particular dedication and care to run a farm that creates terrific wildlife habitat - and be economically viable. That’s why we're delighted to work with farmers who are making great efforts and who act as ambassadors for wildlife in the farming community. Once again, we've joined forces with BBC Countryfile Magazine, Plantlife and Butterfly Conservation to look for the top farms for wildlife from across the UK.
Alternatively, download the application form beneath that to fill out and email (or post) back to us if you'd prefer. Closing date 28 February 2010. Any applications received after this date will be considered for the 2011 competition. Last modified: 25 September 2009 |
What can I do?Enter your farm in the Nature of Farming Award using our simple online entry form. 
Word document, 50KbA downloadable entry form that you can fill in offline and return to us via email, or post. |
Insect on dewy ears of barley - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Herd of cows, West Sedgemoor RSPB reserve - David Kjaer (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_11413_0029)
Archie Carmichael (L, on tractor) & Gus Keys (R = site manager) in farm yard at Kinnabus. Mull of Oa RSPB reserve. Islay - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2005_9857_009)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)