Goose Newcomers Award Goes To Peak District

Newcomer to farming in one of the countrys most scenic locations, Lizzie Murphy, is the 2009 winner of the John Adlard Memorial Award for new entrants to goose production.

The award, which includes a number of free goslings and specialist advice through the first year, is in memory of John Adlard, founder of Norfolk Geese and chairman of British Goose Producers (BGP) for23 years until his death in 2005.

Lizzie, who is rearing 363 geese at Netherdale Farm in Monsal Dale in the Derbyshire Peak District, received the award from Eddie Hegarty, partner of Norfolk Geese and BGP vice chairman, at its annual goose walk at Radley, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Lizzie and her husband Den took over the tenancy of Netherdale Farm in September but had already made arrangements with the owners, Chatsworth Estate, to bring in the goslings in June to start production for the Christmas market.

She had already looked into the market for geese locally and plans to sell them at farm shops, butchers and the farmers market in Bakewell as well as from the farmgate. The farm, which has provided settings for films, is located on the Monsal trail and attracts thousands of walkers through the year.