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Eco farm harvests county green award

Tom Rowley
31/ 5/2006

SHEEP and cattle now have wading birds for company thanks to the efforts of one Glossopdale farmer.

Andrew Wheelden's efforts at enhancing the environment for local wildlife have won him first prize in the annual Derbyshire Greenwatch awards.

He saw off eight other entrants in the farming and landscape management category to scoop the £1,000 prize after being nominated by the High Peak branch of the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Andrew, 40, of Bray Clough Farm, off the A624 in Chunal - which has been in his family for over 100 years - said: "We had a lot of non-native trees and decided to plant native trees like oak and birch and allow the other local trees to re-grow.

"We've also worked on reinstating hedgerows and dug scrapes out in the fields, which are ponds to encourage wading birds like lapwings, curlews and snapes."

Andrew began the planting scheme around 15 years ago and the trees now cover around five acres of woodland.

He said: "I was very happy to win but it's also nice that other people have recognised what we've done for the local wildlife."

Councillor Brian Lucas, cabinet member for sustainable communities on Derbyshire County Council - which organises the awards - said: "The awards night was a great success with many worthy causes picking up prizes.

"It is always pleasing to see so many people in Derbyshire giving their time and efforts to improve the environment in which they live for themselves and others."