A VALE of Evesham farm has been named runner-up in a prestigious national award for conservation.

Tom Meikle, of Wick Grange, Pershore, came second in the farmcare FWAG English Silver Lapwing Award 2004 presented annually to the farmers who have done most to encourage wildlife and enrich the countryside as an integral part of their commercial farming operations.

As environmental management comes increasingly under the spotlight, more and more farmers are realising the growing contribution that agri-environmental schemes can make to farm profitability and the awards set out to acknowledge what has been achieved.

Mr Meikle said: "I was disappointed not to get the top place, but getting down to the last two in the whole of the country was not bad considering the competition was so very hot."

Mr Meikle farms 130 hectares devoted to sugar beet, salad onions, dwarf beans, barley and wheat. Integrated farming is central to the thinking, with minimal use of insecticides and pesticides and the provision of beetle banks to help beneficial insects.

Over the years 12,500 metres of wildflower field margins, plus new woods, hedges and ponds have been created. Wild bird cover crops, an otter holt and boxes for owls, kestrels and bats all contribute to wildlife diversity.

"There is a good range of habitat extent and pattern within the farm," said the judges. "Good additional habitats have been created, for example woodpiles which encourage insects and newts."

Countryside Stewardship provides an alternative income for the farm and hay taken off the six metre margins gives a cash crop while helping maintain wildflowers. The green image of the farm helps Mr Meikle maintain contracts with his customers and he is pleased to host farm walks. A new permissive footpath round the farm allows people to benefit from the enhancements that have been made.

*The award was won by Chris Dowse, who farms the 2,038 ha Hall Farm in the Lincolnshire Wolds.