Farmer Annie Brown wins Silver Lapwing Award

Farmer Annie Brown wins Silver Lapwing Award

June 5, 2015

Congratulations to South Downs famer Annie Brown who has won the 2015 FWAG Silver Lapwing Award.

The FWAG Silver Lapwing Award is in its 38th year. To win a farm has to demonstrate a real commitment to species and habitat conservation and be able to show how they integrate their environmental management in their overall farm business. Understanding and conserving historic aspects of the farm is also important.

In addition, consideration is given to the farm’s approach to conserving natural resources; this includes good soil management, the protection of water quality and efficient use of water and energy. These are all areas that the judges consider on their tour of the competition finalists.

“We’ve worked hard to create a farming business where we can produce food in a good way while making space for nature,” says Annie. We are privileged to farm some beautiful countryside in the National Park and, with help and support from Natural England, the SDNPA team and the RSPB, we are creating and managing our local habitat, and already we are reaping the rewards with a diverse and increasing wildlife presence on the farm.

“This is good for the wildlife, for our business and for the many visitors to the Downs. We have a young dedicated team working on the farm and together we are building a sustainable family business that we are farming in such a way that it should be in good heart for generations to come.”