Picture: John Hepworth (right) joins Mick Hoban, from the Forestry Commission, in the prize winning wood.
An acorn of an idea that led to the creation of a vibrant community woodland has earned an East Riding farmer Yorkshire's most prestigious forestry prize.
John Hepworth, who farms 56-hectares (140-acres) at Rolston, near Hornsea, is this year's recipient of the John Boddy Rose Bowl, awarded by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and adjudicated by the Forestry Commission and The Royal Forestry Society.
The prize was granted for the outstanding farm woodland created or expanded in the past five years, backed by grants from the Forestry Commission. Nearly 400 schemes were considered. The trophy will be awarded at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate on 12 July.
John Hepworth first linked-up with the Commission in 1989 and planted five acres to drain boggy land. Encouraged by the impact on wildlife, he branched out with further plantings, culminating in 12-hectares (30-acres) of woodland, brimming with plants and wildlife, including grey partridge, barn owl and brown hare. Meanwhile, other habitats have also been created, including ponds and wild flower meadows.
Mick Hoban, from the Forestry Commission, said:
"John has proved that small really can be beautiful and has balanced woodland creation with other habitats, while running a working farm. He really has shown the way ahead. Not only is he passionate about the environment, but he's shared his achievement by granting an exceptional level of public access. And all this has been done in one of England's least wooded areas, making a terrific contribution to wildlife."
John was a founder member of the East Riding Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and now farms crops and livestock. Six years ago 7.5-hectares (19-acres) of his new wood, planted with species like oak, ash, hazel, was designated as Hornsea Community Woodland, complete with waymarked walks, interpretation and bird watching hides. An RSPB survey found over 60 nesting bird species on the farm. Meanwhile the rich interplay of wood, wetland and meadow has lured water voles, butterflies and dragonflies.
John Hepworth added:
"Without a lot of help from other people and organisations, it would have been impossible to get this far. This award is also a tribute to their efforts. It's been marvellous seeing the wood develop and witness the enjoyment it gives local people and the boost to wildlife. Tree planting is a long term business, measured in centuries, so getting it right has been very important."
Previous winners of the John Boddy Rose Bowl include the Colne Valley Tree Preservation Trust for restoring a Pennine woodland and Wickersley Parish Council for exemplary management of a Rotherham wood.
