warwickshire NFU members scoop Silver Lapwing Award

Warwickshire NFU members James and Stuart Russell have scooped a coveted national environmental award at a glittering London ceremony.

The Farmcare FWAG Silver Lapwing Award was presented to the Russells for their environmental work at Toft Farm, a lowland arable farm at Kites Hardwick, near Rugby.

A trophy along with a cheque for £1,000 was presented to the Russells by Sir Donald Curry, chairman of the government implementation group for Sustainable Farming and Food.

NFU West Midlands regional director David Collier today congratulated the Russells on their achievement in winning the competition.

"This is fantastic news for both the farm itself and also for the West Midlands region and I am delighted to learn of their success," said Mr Collier.

"The Silver Lapwing Award is widely recognised as on of the most prestigious farm conservation competitions and winners have to demonstrate a track record of environmental best practice.

"The judges of the award have highlighted the sound and sensitive stewardship under which Toft Farm has flourished and it is pleasing for everyone connected with the NFU that their hard work has been recognised."

Toft Farm is a 358 hectare arable farm, which supports a wide range of lowland habitats and species, building on natural features including the River Leam.

The farm had earlier been chosen as the English Silver Lapwing winner and saw off competition from finalists from Scotland and Wales to scoop the overall award.