CG farmer, Robert Law, has been named as the Eastern region winner of the 2011 Nature of Farming Award. The award celebrates the tremendous contribution that farmers make towards conserving wildlife on their land and is supported by the RSPB, the Telegraph, Plantlife and Butterfly Conservation.

Robert farms 1,500ha in Hertfordshire and has long been dedicated to increasing the wildlife on his land. Since he took over the farm he has planted several miles of hedges and large blocks of new woodland. Awkward corners and field margins are utilised to provide various wildlife habitats, such as pollen and nectar and wild bird food. Several environment schemes are operating on the farm and Conservation Grade has been part of the mix since the the scheme’s inception in 1985. Among his CG crops Robert grows oats for Jordans Cereals, milling wheat for Allinson Bread and wheat for Allinson Flour.

Along with three other regional winners, Robert now faces a public vote to determine the overall 2011 Nature of Farming Award winner. Click here to place your vote before the 31st August.

As the standard of entries is so high a ‘Highly Commended’ category was introduced this year and among the 18 farmers named in this category is Jon Capes, a CG member from Hampshire. Jon is no stranger to the award, having been the South East region’s winner in 2010. Jon grows CG accredited milling wheat for Allinson Bread. He is very enthusiastic about the wildlife on his farm and has successfully integrated conservation with the commercial side of his business.

Well done to both Robert and Jon, and good luck to Robert for the next stage of the competition.