The Lincolnshire Bird Club

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Press Release

Friday 29th October 2009

Nicholas Watts MBE named 'Countryside Farmer of the Year'

Work for wildlife by Lincolnshire farmer recognised and rewarded.

A third generation farmer who started sowing seeds of change for the benefit of wildlife more than 30 years ago is reaping rewards, most recently through recognition as 'Countryside Farmer of the Year' in the Farmers Weekly Awards.

Nicholas Watts MBE grows arable crops, bird seed and organic vegetables on his 850 hectares at Vine House Farm in Lincolnshire. In the last 10 years, he has seen barn owl numbers quadruple, whitethroat numbers double, lapwing numbers increase from two to nine pairs and breeding tree sparrow pairs increase ten-fold.

The Wildlife Trusts, which recognise farmers hold a key to the well-being of our countryside and, in turn, the health of our wildlife, launched a partnership with conservation award-winning Vine House Farm in August 2007.

Stephanie Hilborne, Chief Executive for The Wildlife Trusts, said: "We are thrilled Nicholas has been recognised for his active commitment to conservation. His creation of habitat is vital to ensure wildlife has enough room to adapt to threats including climate change."

Nicholas Watts adds: "The Wildlife Trusts and Vine House Farm aim to reverse the decline of wildlife and enhance the variety of species in the UK. Through the conservation work it has undertaken, Vine House Farm is seeing increases in bird populations compared to national populations which are either static or declining."

Paul Learoyd, Chief Executive of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, said: "I would like to congratulate Nicholas on this well deserved award in recognition for his tireless work incorporating nature conservation in his farming. Vine House Farm is a fine example of how the needs of man and wildlife can be met in harmony. As a member of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust's Council and a long standing member Nicholas has shown a commitment to the community as well as wildlife and our partnership plays a valuable role in promoting the importance of nature conservation in this very important agricultural county."

The Farmers Weekly judging panel highlighted Nicholas' profitable farming while promoting wildlife, his strong links with the local community, his role as a passionate ambassador for agriculture and being awarded an MBE for services to farming and conservation. The judges were Government adviser Sir Don Curry, NFU president Peter Kendall, Farmers Weekly editor Jane King, Farmer of the Year 2008 Adrian Ivory and Debbie Beaton, Farmers Weekly.

Independent judge Caroline Drummond said: "Nicholas Watts has worked hard to create an outstanding family business. He has shown profitable farming can go hand in hand with environmentally responsible practices - his passion shines through in everything he does."

For more information please contact:

Anna Guthrie
Media and PR manager, The Wildlife Trusts
Tel: 01636 670075 / 07887 754659
Email: aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org


Tanya Perdikou
Media and Campaigns Officer, The Wildlife Trusts
Tel: 01636 670057 / 07887 754657


Rachel Shaw
Public Relations Officer
Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Tel: 01507 526667 (ansaphone out of office hours)
Fax: 01507 525732
Email: rshaw@lincstrust.co.uk


Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Banovallum House
Manor House Street
Horncastle
Lincolnshire LN9 5HF

Website: lincstrust.org.uk


Notes for Editors

To find out more about Vine House Farm, its conservation work, and how to order, visit www.vinehousefarm.co.uk
For a full report of winners, see the Farmers Weekly winners' supplement and for highlights of the awards night including pictures and video, go to www.fwi.co.uk/fwawards2009/
The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and wild places throughout the historic county of Lincolnshire - from the Humber to the Wash. The Trust is Lincolnshire's leading nature conservation charity with over 25,000 members and around 100 nature reserves. The Trust is a member of a nationwide network of 47 local trusts which work to protect wildlife - The Wildlife Trusts.
Visit: lincstrust.org.uk
There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. With 791,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK's habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea. 135,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch. We manage 2,256 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living.
Visit: www.wildlifetrusts.org
The Wildlife Trusts partnership with Vine House Farm offers the chance to buy many wild bird foods that are grown on its own conservation award-winning farm and because Vine House Farm is committed to reducing its impact on the environment, as much produce as is possible is sourced from within the UK. When buying products from Vine House Farm you are directly supporting the work of The Wildlife Trusts.
Visit: www.vinehousefarm.co.uk
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Copyright © Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust 2009