Friends of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in partnership with the Nidderdale Agricultural Society are promoting their annual Enterprising Farm Awards again this year and are calling for entries from farmers who are making special efforts to conserve the landscape of Nidderdale AONB.

 

The aim of the awards, now in their fifth year, is to recognise the contribution made by farmers to the very special landscape qualities of the area. Three cash prizes on offer, totalling £550 have been kindly sponsored by Nova Healthcare, the Leeds based brain cancer treatment centre. The awards will be announced at the Nidderdale Show on Monday 19th September.

 

Examples of eligible activities include improving wildlife habitats, restoring hay meadows, maintaining wetland and protecting ground-nesting birds; energy and water conservation schemes; and promoting an understanding of farming & the AONB or by hosting educational visits. The development of sustainable and innovative agricultural business also falls within the scope of the awards.

 

Douglas Adamson, Chair of the Friends commented "The farming community in the AONB is doing some excellent work and we want to give due recognition to those farmers making special efforts to promote wildlife and to farm sustainably. We encourage farmers to enter the awards so that these ideas can be shared and recognised."

 

Entry forms will be available from the AONB office at King Street, Pateley Bridge and (Tel: 01423 712950) the AONB website www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk.  Final entries must be in by the 1st August to allow judging and farm visits to take place.