Farmers and crofters working within the Cairngorms National Park are invited to apply for the park’s nature farm award.
The award, which is run by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), sets out to reward a farmer or crofters who has made a substantial contribution to the natural environment around them.
Last year’s award was presented to Jim Simmons of Ruthven Farm in Glenlivet. He was given the award in recognition of the work he does protecting habitats and wildlife species on his farm.
CNPA convener Peter Argyle said: “Without farmers and crofters in the Cairngorms National Park we would lose many of the species, habitats and landscapes that we all know and love.
“Jim has shown an outstanding passion for the environmental work he has carried out on his farm. He managed to strike a perfect balance, allowing the farming business and the habitats and species on it to thrive together.”
CNPA land management adviser, Bruce McConachie, said all entries for the award would be assessed by a panel of judges comprising members of both the national park authority and the farming community.
He said: “The judges will be looking at areas that are currently managed under environmental schemes but they will also be hoping to find people that have gone beyond what’s asked for by for example creating wet areas for wading birds, protecting river banks and by planting native woodlands that in time will provide shelter for livestock and wildlife.”
Entry forms are available online at www.cairngorms.co.uk and all entries must be submitted by the deadline of Friday July 14.
The winner will be unveiled at the Grantown Show on August 10, where they will be given an outdoor plaque to display at their farm as well as a personal prize.