FWAG Cymru is delighted to announce that Bodior Estate, Rhoscolyn, Sir Fôn/Isle of Anglesey is the winner of the FWAG Cymru- National Grid 2009 Silver Lapwing Farm Conservation Award, kindly supported and sponsored by the National Grid.

The long-standing competition recognises the blend between commercial farming and environmental conservation best practices and is open to farmers throughout Wales. Following regional heats, Bodior Estate, Rhoscolyn Anglesey representing North Wales; Hendy, Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells representing Mid Wales and Gadr Farm, Llangovan, Monmouth representing South Wales battled it out; with Bodior Estate, after a very close judging round, winning through to be presented with the winner's engraved Welsh slate plaque and a cheque for £800 at the Royal Welsh Show Society Winter Fair at Llanelwedd on 30^th November. Both runners up were presented with their regional winners' plaques and a cheque for £200. The plaques and cheques were presented on behalf of FWAG Cymru & National Grid by Mr Dai Lewis, Chairman of the Management Board of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society in the main cattle ring. FWAG Cymru & National Grid are extremely grateful to the RWAS for accommodating the presentation within their extremely tight schedule.

FWAG Cymru would like to express their thanks to all the regional judges for their hard work in coming up with the three regional winners and to the national judges, Professor John Good of Penmaenmawr, Conwy; Mr Glasnant Morgan, Pwllyrhwyaid, Talybont on Usk and Mr Peter Mitchell of National Grid.

Dr Glenda Thomas, Director FWAG Cymru said that it was exciting to hear of the high standard of entries into the competition and to see how farmers are demonstrating best practices on their farms. Peter Mitchell on behalf of the judges & National Grid added that all three were top class winners and that National Grid were delighted to be so closely  involved yet again with a competition attracting such high calibre entries.

Bodior Estate, Rhoscolyn:

Bodior Estate is owned by the Bulmer Family of Herefordshire but has been managed on their behalf by Mr Frank Roberts for the past 24 years. Bodior extends to some 285 hectares (700 acres) and ranges from coastal foreshore producing saltmarsh lamb to extensive woodlands and scrub with productive grassland in between. The farm is stocked with 35 shorthorn beef suckler cows and 800 breeding sheep but the long term plan is to increase the cow numbers whilst reducing the sheep to retain the grazing balance. A small shoot complements the farming activities and any remaining conifer woodlands are slowly being converted to broadleaf through replanting and natural regeneration following low impact abstractions.

A lot of the conservation work is focused on nationally declining species such as brown hare, grey partridge and lapwings and these are monitored for their breeding successes.

In addition, restoration of walls and hedges that begun with the Anglesey Environmental Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme are continuing to be restored without the benefit of any grant schemes using income generated by the farm to achieve this.

Chemical inputs are minimal with extensive use made of natural fertilising products.

An on-farm butchery and cold store is in development which will offer home grown beef initially with a farm shop to follow.

The judges commented on Mr Roberts' drive and enthusiasm stating: "He fills the role of farmer, forester, gamekeeper, gardener and all round conservationist - a genuine countryman."

Frank Roberts said how surprised and delighted he was to have won the award and how it would give him an extra incentive to keep on doing the job he loved doing.

Giles Bulmer said: "We are very happy to see Frank being rewarded for all his efforts. We have always valued his work but to see it recognised at the national level is very pleasing indeed."