Farm’s wildlife commitment recognised with award

A family-run farmstay holiday company has received an award in recognition of its countryside and wildlife conservation.

Show president Lady Carew Pole presents the Otter Trophy

The Hawkey family, who own The Olde House in Chapel Amble near Wadebridge, were presented with the Otter Trophy at the Royal Cornwall Show in June by show president Lady Carew Pole.

Awarded annually by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West (FWAGSW), the trophy is given to a farm that demonstrates good commercial management whilst caring for the surrounding landscape and creating opportunities for wildlife.

Owner Andrew Hawkey said the farm’s commitment to wildlife conservation has also brought benefits to the rural tourism side of the business.

He said: “We have worked very hard to make The Olde House a pleasant place to visit, and this award shows that finding a balance between running a successful working farm and rural tourism can be done.

“Our commitment to protecting the wildlife on the farm is a real draw for our guests, who can explore the Cornish landscape on their doorstep on our new walking trails. Many of our self-catering cottages are converted from the original barns and farm buildings, and our guests love the fact that they are spending their holiday right in the heart of the farm.”

The Olde House provides 30 self-catering cottages on the 550 acre working farm. Guests have the opportunity to get a taste of nature with free access to the surrounding countryside.

The family is helping to protect and preserve their surroundings as part of the Natural England Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and their commitment to providing greener holidays.

They have recently worked with Walmsley Bird Sanctuary to create a new wetland on the farm, which is a haven for over 40 different bird species. Five ponds and six sections of trees have been placed around the farm to encourage wildlife to the area.

Mr Hawkey continued: “We are delighted to win the Otter Trophy as we have worked hard as a family to look after our stunning surroundings and offer our guests the chance to really make the most of being in the peaceful countryside.

“Caring for wildlife and preserving the land is very important to us and we enjoy doing it. The farm has been in our family for four generations, so we are here to look after the land which has been left to us, and preserve it for future generations.”

FWAG was established in the 1960s and provides impartial and professional advice to UK agriculture. The organisation has over 2,000 members in the South West alone.

The Otter Trophy is judged upon five main areas: business viability; the use of agricultural inputs like manures, herbicides and pesticides; practices to encourage wildlife; the conservation of natural resources; and the way the general public is involved.

For more information on self-catering holidays at The Olde House please visit: www.theoldehouse.co.uk