Down Farmer Makes Awards Final

A local farmer’s dedication to helping wildlife was recently recognised in the prestigious Farming Life and Danske Bank awards.

Tony Bell, who farms winter wheat, spring barley and spring oilseed rape just outside Kircubbin, was the only farmer from County Down to make the finals in the Wildlife Friendly Farmer of the Year category, sponsored by the RSPB.

Tony explained: “My farm provides habitat for a wide range of bird species, including priority seed eaters such as the xa0yellowhammer, linnet, reed bunting, tree sparrow and skylark, which all breed and spend the winter on my land.

“These species have declined in many parts of the country in recent years, due to a loss of food sources and suitable habitat. I help provide much needed food for these species during the cold weather by leaving the spring sown barley fields as stubble over this lean period.

“Farming in a way that can help wildlife is very important to me.

“To see a wide range of birds and other wildlife using a productive working farm makes me proud. It was a fantastic experience to make it to the final of the competition.”

“During these hard winter months, anything farmers can do for wildlife can make a huge difference. Maintaining overwintered stubbles until March will help provide seed food for birds over the harsh months and creating farmland bird feeding stations – areas where waste grain is placed for birds to feast on. It will also help ensure our feathered friends make it through to spring.”