Future of Farming Award 2007 - Winner
2007 winner, Keith Datchler, Beech Estate, near Battle, East Sussex
Farmer Keith Datchler won the 2007 award for his work running a successful farm business and for protecting a precious yet threatened habitat that supports a rich mix of native wildlife, including wildflowers, butterflies and other rare insects.
Keith Datchler, of Beech Estate, near Battle, East Sussex, narrowly pipped the 15 other regional finalists to take the national title in the inaugural year of Natural England’s award scheme, which highlights that first-rate environmental land management and sound farm businesses can go hand in hand, is setting new environmental standards for farmers in the future.
Nominated by Natural England staff with first hand knowledge of Beech Estate, Keith succeeded in impressing a panel of judges selected from local experts from Natural England, the National Farmers' Union and the Country Land & Business Association based in the South East.
He was then selected as a worthy overall winner by the national judges panel, chaired by Peter Allen, a 17th generation Lakeland tenant hill farmer, chairman of the North West Regional Management Board of the NFU and board member of Natural England.
The winning approach
Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: “Keith's inspirational approach to transforming the Beech Estate from an intensive arable and dairy farm into a haven for wildlife makes him a clear winner. His lasting legacy is that a growing number of farmers are adopting his techniques to conserve the ancient unspoilt landscape of the High Weald.
"At Natural England we believe that the future for farmers lies in adopting sustainable techniques that not only produce high quality food but also enhance the scenic beauty of the English landscape and conserve our much-loved native wildlife."
All 16 finalists in the award scheme participate in one of Natural England's green farming schemes, which reward farmers and other land managers for conserving and enhancing our natural environment.
