Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is delighted that its Lower Smite Farm has been named as runner up in the Natural England Future of Farming Award for the West Midlands Region. The award recognises those who are striving to manage land for increased biodiversity and sustainable farming production.

Caroline Corsie, who manages the Trust’s farmlandm, says: ’ We are thrilled to have this recognition for our hard work. The judging panel form Natural England were particularly impressed with our pioneering work on rare arable flora and the ways in which our management practices support wildlife habitats and species across the farm. We were also complimented on sustainable features such as our geothermal heating system and rainwater harvesting systems. ’

Lower Smite Farm near Worcester is a mixed arable farm of around 65 ha. The Trust’s HQ was already based in the existing farmhouse, but in 2004 it had the chance to purchase and reunite the house with its traditional surrounding farmland. Since then we have been developing wildlife friendly farming techniques and exploring how to incorporate them in a viable farm business. Farm outbuildings also house the Wildlife and Farming Centre where over 3, 600 school children visit each year for fieldwork courses.

Caroline continued: ‘In many ways Lower Smite is a typical Worcestershire farm ñ the basic features and issues are common to most of our fellow farmers. We believe that encouraging wildlife and farming in a sustainable way can make sense from a business point of view as well as creating a landscape benefiting both wildlife and people.’

Caroline Corsie will be attending Natural Englands National Award Ceremony on the 19th November where all Regional Winners and Runners Up will receive presentations.
Story by RSWT

Contact Caroline Corsie

Tel: 01905 754919
Email: caroline@​worcestershirewildlifetrust.​org
Website: www​.wildlifetrusts​.org
Image: The C17th granary building has beenrestored using traditional craftsmanship to expose the timbers and rework the panels made of wattleand daub.
Photo: © www​.worcswildlifetrust​.co​.uk