WIREDGOV

Natural England launched its 'Future of Farming Awards' scheme at the Royal Show on 2 July. The new scheme will celebrate environmental excellence and innovation in farming. It will recognise those farmers who have made the greatest contribution to both conserving England's special wildlife and landscapes whilst helping people have greater access to our natural environment.

The Future of Farming Awards scheme was launched by Dr Helen Phillips, Natural England's Chief Executive. Speaking at the Royal Show, Dr Phillips said: "I'm delighted to announce the launch of the Natural England 'Future of Farming' Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in English farming.

"The aim of the Awards is to recognise the achievements of farmers who have set a new standard for environmentally friendly farming, and provided inspiration to others. In essence, the Awards will highlight the 'new' contract between society and farmers, in which farmers supply public goods and services to the public."

A winner and runner up will be chosen in August from each of England's nine regions by a regional judging panel made up of regional Natural England specialists and representatives from the farming industry. A national panel will select the overall winner, and runner up, to be announced at a special event this autumn.

The criteria used for judging this year's award will reflect Natural England's integrated approach to management of the natural environment. Entrants will need to demonstrate:

• First-rate land management practices that boost biodiversity, public access opportunities and landscape conservation.
• A good understanding of the economic, social and environmental opportunities that biodiversity, public access and landscape conservation brings.
• Pioneering management of the natural environment in one of access, biodiversity or landscape that sets a new standard for the future.

In future years Natural England will expand the Awards introducing more categories to recognise other areas of environmental excellence.

For further information, contact the Natural England press office on 0845 603 9953 or out of hours on 07970 098005

Notes for editors:

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

2. Natural England took over responsibility for the delivery of Environmental Stewardship from the Rural Development Service on 1 October 2006.

3. Environmental Stewardship was launched on 3 March 2005. It is composed of three tiers:

• Entry Level Stewardship (ELS), a whole farm scheme which aims to encourage farmers and land managers across England to deliver simple but effective environmental management;
• Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS), which is open to farmers who manage all or part of their land organically;
• Higher Level Stewardship (HLS), which, when combined with ELS or OELS options, aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority areas.

4. Environmental Stewardship builds on the very best practice already evident in British farming. In particular, it takes forward Defra's two flagship agri-environment schemes, Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Stewardship. The primary objectives of the new scheme are to:

• Conserve wildlife (biodiversity).
• Maintain and enhance landscape quality and character.
• Protect the historic environment and natural resources.
• Promote public access and understanding of the countryside.
• Natural resource protection.

For interviews, photographs or further information please contact the Natural England Press Office on 0845 6039953 or 07970 098005.