RSPB shortlist farmer for award (From Salisbury Journal)
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RSPB shortlist farmer for award
5:20pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Rural Focus By Anne Connon
Henry Edmunds
WILTSHIRE farmer Henry Edmunds is one of four farmers shortlisted for this year’s prestigious RSPB Nature of Farming Award. This national award recognises farmers who have strong environmental credentials and farm in a way which encourages bird, plant and insect populations to thrive while still being commercially viable. The award now goes to public vote, which closes on September 5.
Mr Edmunds, who owns and manages Cholderton Estate near Salisbury, has been shortlisted for his achievements in looking after wildlife and the environment while running a productive sheep, dairy and arable farm. He has spent more than 30 years balancing modern agriculture and the preservation of the countryside.
Some of the rare birds that thrive on his farm include corn bunting, yellow hammers, lapwing and grey partridge and Mr Edmunds has created nesting habitats for lapwings which include fox protection and this year they have seen six pairs hatch 18 chicks.
His farming methods have also encouraged rare plants such as cornflower and pheasant’s eye and the farm is home to the biggest population in the UK of the rare Martin’s Rampingfumitory (Fumariaceae) plant, which is only known on two other sites in the UK.
To vote for Wiltshire’s Henry Edmunds, visit rspb.org.uk and follow the link. Voting ends on September 5 and the winner will be announced later that month.
