MP urges locals to vote for local farmer in conservation award

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited the Norfolk Estate last week (10 August) to meet with Estate Manager Peter Knight who was recently named as the South East's regional winner in the RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Awards.

Peter has been farming on the Norfolk Estate for the past 24 years and has now been recognised for his work which has helped birds and other wildlife thrive.

Now Peter has made it through to the final four in this year's national RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Awards with a prize of £1,000 and the title of the UK's Most Wildlife-friendly Farmer up for grabs for the winner.

However, Peter will only win the prize if residents of Sussex and the South East are behind him.

Peter said: "We were delighted to be selected as the South East Regional winner, but to have reached the final four is a fantastic result for the Norfolk Estate.

"To be recognised in this way is a great honour for all staff on the Estate, and we hope to make Arundel and the South East proud. Fingers crossed, the community will come out to vote, and help put the area on the map as a great place for wildlife."

Following his visit to meet with Peter on the South Downs above Arundel, Mr Herbert commented "I was delighted to hear that Peter and the Norfolk Estate have been recognised with this award and thrilled that they are in the final four for the national prize.

"The Norfolk Estate's work has produced marvellous results, not just conserving the grey partridge but also all the other farmland birds that have benefited.

"I hope that local people will vote for them to be the winners."

Voting is open from now until September 5 and votes can be cast by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/farmvote, or by calling the RSPB on 01767 693680 to request a FREEPOST postal voting form.

Everyone who votes in this year's competition will be entered into a prize draw to win a luxury break for two people at Ragdale Hall worth over £500.

Ends

Notes for Editors

1.         For more information on the RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Awards, please contact Samantha Stokes of RSPB South East: 01273 763610.