This year’s Wilkinson Environment Awards for Nottinghamshire are now open for applications. The awards, now in their seventh year, reward the conservation work of farmers in Nottinghamshire and are sponsored by Wilkinson, the Worksop based home and garden store chain.
“The emphasis on farming for the environment has increased markedly over the past few years,” says NFU regional director Richard Hezlet. “With the introduction of the Environmental Stewardship Schemes, many farmers are working hard to protect and enhance wildlife habitats on their farms. What we’re looking for are the examples of farmers who do something special on their farms whilst still farming commercially.”
There are three categories to the awards, which are designed to promote the integration of conservation and care for the environment with commercial farming. The categories recognise the three differing scales of agricultural businesses in the county; small (up to 300 acres) medium (300 – 1000 acres) and large (1000 acres and above).
The 2007 awards are open to farmers who own or rent a commercial farm or holding within the county boundary of Nottinghamshire and can demonstrate an active role in the business. The first prize is ÂŁ5000 with two runner-up prizes of ÂŁ2000.
The closing date for applications is 4 June 2007. Judging will take place during June and early July, with the winners being announced immediately afterwards.
Last year’s winner, Robert Bower of Carburton Manor Farm, near Worksop said: “Winning this prestigious award means a great deal to me. As farmers we appreciate the complexity of the countryside and wildlife habitats on our farms, and try and work with nature to look after our land. I hope that this year’s winners are good ambassadors for the industry and for the work we do to keep the flora and fauna of Nottinghamshire’s countryside in good heart for future generations.”