Yorkshire Dales farmer honoured for fine produce while boosting wildlife

Neil Heseltine, who farms with his partner Leigh in Malham, won the National Trust’s Farming with Nature award which recognises tenants who have improved wildlife habitats on their farm.

The couple embrace sustainable ways of farming to enhance and protect their landscape, which encompasses two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and actively promote nature-friendly practices within the wider farming community.

The judges said their holistic grazing regime involving Belted Galloway cattle keeps down scrub and allows native species of plant to thrive, including moor grass and wild thyme, while their restoration of a traditional hay meadow has further increased biodiversity on the land.

Environment

Mr Heseltine said: “Looking after the environment is central to what we do at Hill Top Farm.

Several years ago we reduced the number of sheep on the farm and introduced conservation grazing cattle to increase biodiversity - with positive results.

“New species of plant have emerged in the fields and our hay meadows are full of invertebrates, butterflies, bees, and even a family of barn owls.

“It is an honour to be recognised in the Fine Farm Produce Awards. It is so important that we celebrate healthy, sustainable, nutritious produce and champion farming practices that work hand in hand with nature."

Winner of the Overall Food Award was Beningbrough Farm, near York, for its Aberdeen Angus beef.