Farm bids for green award

Langton Farm, near Malton, has won through to the second round of the prestigious 1998 Broadoak Farming Silver Lapwing Award.

Now celebrating its 20th year this is the United Kingdom's pre-eminent award for farm conservation and is organised by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG). It is presented annually to the farmer who has done the most to enhance wildlife and landscape conservation alongside successful commercial activity.

Langton farm was one of 22 entries chosen to go through to the next round where it will be competing against the best in the country. Judges will draw up a short list of finalists to be visited in July and the national winner will be presented with the Silver Lapwing trophy and prize of £1,000 at the awards ceremony in London on November 24.

Langton Farm comprises 964 acres of mixed arable, sheep and cattle farming. Over the years three new woods have been planted and five ponds dug. Snipe nest in one meadow and curlews return each spring. The grassland adjoins a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on prehistoric ridges where wildlife is encouraged. Two metre grass margins around arable fields have been long established.

"Richard Howard-Vyse is a very active farmer," said Phil Lyth, FWAG Adviser for North Yorkshire. "Conservation is an integral part of the farm's policy and he is keen to show what can be achieved through the farm walks and open events which he has organised over the years."

This is the sixth year that Broadoak Farming has sponsored the award. Peter Johnson, of Broadoak, said: "I believe that in these difficult farming times it is just as important for farmers to show how they are contributing to the health of our countryside as well as sustaining the rural economy. The Broadoak Farming Silver Lapwing Award gives recognition for all their hard work and achievements, often unsung."

Robert Bettley-Smith, FWAG's chief executive, commented: "The 20th Silver Lapwing award represents a milestone in farm conservation. Since the first award was made in 1979 we have seen environmentally responsible farming practised by the many rather than the few and the standard of entries achieve new levels of excellence."

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