Walkhighlands self-catering advertising members, Somerset and Carolyne Charrington have reached the final shortlist of four farms competing for a prestigious environmental farming award.
The RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award celebrates the fantastic work farmers are already doing for wildlife, with a top prize of £1,000 for the very best. The Charringtons who
run a 750ha upland livestock farm at Treshnish on the Isle of Mull have taken to heart the need to manage the land in tune with nature whilst ensuring it provides a sustainable business. Their farm lies on some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on Mull and the Charringtons have encouraged responsible access.
Alongside careful grazing, Somerset and Carolyne have created and restored key habitats including native woodland, wetland, peat bog and moorland. The wildlife on the farm includes field gentians, corncrakes, otters, more than 300 species of moth and butterfly, and 10 species of dragonfly.
Visit the RSPB website to see more details of the four farming finalists, if you decide to vote for one of them you will be entered in a draw to win a two night break at a luxury hotel.
The RSPB says, “It takes particular dedication and care to run a farm that creates terrific wildlife habitat – and is economically viable. That’s why we’re delighted to work with farmers who are making great efforts and who act as ambassadors for wildlife in the farming community.”
For details of the walk at Treshnish see Walkhighlands. Treshnish is a working farm with grazing animals and unfenced cliffs, therefore walkers must keep dogs under tight control at all times in accordance with the Scottish Access Code. For other Isle of Mull walks see the Walkhighlands website.