Nurturing nature puts family in award finals

THE father and daughter team of John Harrison and Ruth Russell have been nam-ed as finalists in this year's Nature of Farming Award in recognition of the wildlife-friendly measures they have carried out on their land.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th May 2010, 16:35 BST
Updated 7th May 2010, 16:35 BST

The pair who run Duggleby High Barn near Malton, North Yorkshire, are already winners of the Northern England regional competition and now have been shortlisted as one of four national finalists.

Run by the RSPB, in association with Countryfile, Butterfly Conservation and Plantlife, the Nature of Farming Award celebrates farmers managing their land in ways that help birds and wildlife. Through both government agri-environment schemes and voluntary management, Mr Harrison and Mrs Russell have taken steps on their 133 hectare mixed farm to provide food and nesting sites for birds, encouraging threatened species such as lapwings.

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Since 2002, the overall number of bird species seen on the farm has risen from 37 to over 90.

Chris Tomson, the RSPB's regional agricultural adviser for Yorkshire and Humber, said: "I am impressed with the way John and Ruth are managing their farm for wildlife and find their enthusiasm inspiring."

Votes for the couple can be cast online at www.rspb.org. uk/farmvote until August 27.

CW 8/5/10

Related topics:John HarrisonRSPBNorth YorkshireMaltonPlantlife