Award shock for farmer; Policy on environment pays off.

Byline: Dave Black 

AFARMER whose land lies in one of the most scenic and beautiful coastal landscapes in the region has won a prestigious trophy for his efforts to support wildlife and the environment.

Rod Smith - who farms 1,000 acres of arable land at Beal opposite Holy Island in Northumberland - has lifted the annual Tye Trophy awarded by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).

It is in recognition of his work to create habitats and ponds for birds and insects on his farm, as well as providing footpaths and cycleways across his land and other measures to improve and protect the local environment. Mr Smith, who has been gradually developing his nature conservation work over the last 10 years, won the Northumberland section of the Tye Trophy after his farm was inspected by a judge from FWAG.

He went forward to the final of the competition, and has now been chosen by judges as the overall winner in an area covering Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire. As well as the trophy he has won pounds 400 in prize money for investment in further nature conservation work.

Mr Smith's family has farmed at Beal for more than 30 years, on land next to the coastal area of outstanding natural beauty and a site of special scientific interest.

Last year he opened the Barn at Beal, a farm diversification venture which includes a visitor centre, restaurant and coffee shop, conference and education facilities for schools and businesses, nature walks and a gift shop selling local produce.

Yesterday he said: "We were put forward for the Tye Trophy by someone from the FWAG and the judges liked the whole idea that, as well as commercial farming, I have spent a lot of time and effort on conservation measures such as wild bird cover and shelter and ponds.

"Natural England has helped me with advice and funding and this year someone decided that the efforts should be recognised by FWAG. They have said this is a fantastic example of how farms can work with the environment.

"I was very surprised to win the trophy, gobsmacked in fact, but it is really nice to be recognised."

Chloe Palmer, regional director with FWAG, said trophy judges looked at farmers' work on conservation, habitat management and how they use natural resources and pesticides in harmony with the environment. "We are looking for people who are farming on a commercial basis but delivering for the environment at the same time."I was surprised to win the trophy, gobsmacked in fact, but it is nice to be recognised

CAPTION(S):

ACHIEVEMENT Rodney Smith has won the annual Tye Trophy.