Bronze Otter Award results

We have recently heard from the Bronze Otter awards team. Here's what they had to say !

Unfortunalty we did not win, but here is what the judges had to say about us:

Jenni and Andrew Guy: Julians Farm, Holsworthy.
‘’Julian’s Farm is an exemplar for environmental education and Culm grassland restoration.’’

 The Guys have moved the farm from being part arable to all grass, and have used a HLS agreement to enhance the management of the Culm grassland which is now in wonderful condition. In 2014 they also planted a new woodland area of 1200 trees; a mix of Birch, Oak, Alder, Thorn and Rowan, which has created habitat for bees, small mammals and Owls. The farm has PV panels providing the electricity and rainwater harvesting facilities which supply several buildings during the winter. 

However, what stands out most on Julians Farm is the focus and passion for educational access, and the deep appreciation they have for how beneficial time spent in the nature can be for young people. The Guys already have regular weekly school visits through their position as a Care Farm, and work closely with local schools and Devon Wildlife Trust. This is a key area for them and they have exciting plans to take it further.

The judges commented that ‘’Julians is sensibly maximising the benefits that can be derived from traditional farm management with environmental delivery and education and again, is an excellent example of how commercial farming can deliver numerous positive outcomes.’’

We would like to thank all our entries, especially the three finalists for taking the time to show our judges around, and thank our judges; Tom Stratton, Paul Cottington and Martin Howard for their time and expertise.