Andrea Jolley and Kath Birkinshaw, Ashes Farm, Derwent
For being exemplars of best practice, demonstrating energy, passion and true grit in some of the most challenging of circumstances.
Their hill farm is run on a low input, low output basis employing traditional methods in farming and maintaining moorland fringe hay meadows. They were also praised for being heavily involved in the community and educating the general public with regards to sustainable hill farming and the rural land based economy.
Philip French, Corringdon Farm, South Devon
Awarded for best practice in upland hill farming this 500 acre mixed cattle and sheep farm which encompasses moorland, reclaimed and Less Favoured Land (LFA) and grazing on adjoining commons.
Heavily involved in hill farming issues he was recognised for his support to other hill farmers and his contribution to the development of the upland farming community.
Sam and Candida Hodgson, Glencoyne Farm, Ullswater
Praised for successfully integrating nature conservation with a low input farming system. The beef and sheep farm combines three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) and two Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC’s).
Recognised for their commitment to the environment by managing large areas of farmland to maintain valuable habitats, helping to support an important range of wildlife within the woodland, heathland and grassland habitat.
Maurice and Kath Toward, Herdship Farm, County Durham
Recognised for their commitment and sympathetic management of the land; retaining species lost on many adjacent farms. The breeding ewe, suckler and Limousine farm is located on land which carries a number of designations including Less Favoured Land (LFA), Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and SSSI.
To ensure the farms sustainability they have diversified to other areas including a self-catering cottage and selling lamb products direct to the public.
c/o John Varley, Rolle Estate Office, Oak Hill, East Budleigh, Devon EX9 7DP
Telephone: 01 395 443881 email: john.varley@clintondevon.com
Registration charity number: 1098570