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English Nature's SSSI Awards 2004
Unsung heroes will be
rewarded for their extraordinary contributions to nature
conservation in a 'green oscars' ceremony at the Royal Show
in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
English Nature, the Government's independent wildlife
advisor, will honour the owners and land managers of 21
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in the eighth
annual ceremony in recognition of their hard work and
dedication.
The organisation's Chief Executive Dr Andy Brown and
Director of Special Sites Dr Andy Clements will present the
winners with framed certificates.
Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Nature Conservation and
Fisheries, said: "I am delighted to support these awards.
They recognise the commitment of many unsung heroes the
length and breadth of this country. Without their hard work
and dedication these sites would not survive and would be
lost to future generations."
A local father and son from the Leek Moors are amongst this year's award winners.
John and David Lomas are great examples of farmers who combine farming with an abundance of wildlife on some very important hay meadows and pastures in the Leek Moors SSSI. Their wildlife friendly management such as late hay cutting and leaving wide uncut margins around meadows allows late flowering species to set seed and act as a refuge for over-wintering insects. "The Lomas's management of the land has resulted in a landscape rich in wildflowers, insects and bird life which is a model for the surrounding area" says Tom Moat, Area Team Manager for the Peak District and Derbyshire Team. These fields hold one of the largest populations of greater butterfly orchids in the Peak District as well as good populations of spotted orchids. This special site provides ideal habitat for important numbers of breeding curlew and lapwing.
Debbie Worland, English Nature's local team Community and Publicity Officer, said: "Without the efforts of committed owners and occupiers, English Nature would not be able to achieve such huge benefits for nature conservation. That is why we are delighted to thank them, through the SSSI Awards, for all their efforts and we hope that others will be inspired to follow their example."