This page was last updated on 23/12/2005 © Snowdonia Society 2007 Registered Charity 253231

Farming and Landscape Award

The Snowdonia Society organises a biennial Farming and Landscape Award, in order to provide due recognition for those farmers who have carried out important conservation work, to strengthen the links between the Society and the farming community and to show that commercial farming and conservation can go hand in hand.

Many farmers are actively managing their farms in an environmentally friendly way, by carrying out work that has a strong environmental benefit, such as the maintenance of dry stone walling and traditional buildings, or work to enhance biodiversity.

The Snowdonia Society wishes to provide recognition for these endeavours, by making awards to those farmers in the National Park who have done the most to enhance the landscape and promote wildlife.

The next competition will be held in the summer of 2007.

The winners in 2005 were:
Management Agreement Category.
First Prize was awarded to Hywel Williams, Hafoty Gwyn, Pentrefoelas. Tecwyn Evans highlighted the tidyness of Hywel Williams' 200 acres, the good condition of the 27 suckler cows, Charolais bull, strong calves and the 630 sheep. Neatly stacked round bales for winter fodder were stored on convenient hard standing. A few acres of fairly wet land were conserved, a sanctuary for a dozen pairs of lapwings. The very high standard of recent dry-stone walling showed evidence of Hywel's son, Dion's, skills. Buildings were also in good repair, reinforcing the impression of care and pride in the farm.
Second Prize was won by Owen Gwilym Thomas, Bronfoel Ucha, Dyffryn Ardudwy, farming about 200 acres of exceptionally stony ground with about 300 sheep and 12 suckler cows. However, what really impressed the judges were the farm's magnificent dry-stone walls. Gwilym's craftsmanship is much in demand by other farmers.
Third Prize went to G., R., and Alwyn Roberts, Rhydycriw, Llanegryn who are turning their farm organic. They owned 40 suckler cows, about 50 other cattle, 500 ewes and 120 ewe lambs on some 300 acres. Newly layered hedging and double fencing created wildlife conservation areas.
Non Management Agreement Category.
Richard Evans, Cynfal, Bruncrug gained First Prize. He was judged also to be the overall prize-winner and was presented with the Farm and Landscape Awards Silver Cup for 2005.Tecwyn Evans complimented him on his 365 acres, holding 60 suckler cows of Limousin descent and a Charolais bull, producing fine bullocks. 800 Welsh sheep produced fat lambs out of Suffolk and Texel rams. The grasslands, much on the flat, but also extending to high ground with steep slopes, were noticeably free of weeds. An area of wetland had been planted with hardwoods and many hedges had been replanted and layered with fencing on either side. An old cowshed had been sensitively converted into two cottages for visitors together with another old stable with magnificent stonework, similarly converted, and blending harmoniously into the landscape.
Second prize was awarded to Eifion Williams, Tyddyn Deucwm Isaf, Penmorfa. Eifion and his family have 200 acres with some 90 cattle and 520 sheep. While 45 acres are given to big bale hay production, much of the farm is on unimproved high ground, forming a natural wildlife habitat. The many stone walls were well maintained.
The winners in 2002 were:
First Prize winner: Gwyn Ogwen Thomas, Blaen y Nant farm, Nant Ffrancon Gwyn's agricultural work is of a very high standard. He has brought cattle back onto the farm after over 50 years with sheep only. As it is an organic farm since April 2001, Gwyn grows hay, oats and swede to feed the stock. He has restored 2,800 meters of dry stone walls to a high standard which blend into the landscape. In cooperation with the Environment Agency he has restored the natural course of the river Ogwen, with a network of wildlife corridors connecting the streams and the woodlands. While farming commercially and marketing his own lamb and beef directly, he has a great interest in conservation and an enthusiasm to awaken interest in the subject in young people. An educational trail runs over the farm, and he is currently renovating an old cowshed and turning it into an educational centre, where people can learn about farming and the environment.
Second Prize winner: Richard Williams, Rhydlanfair farm, Betws y Coed Richard is successful in having a very good marriage between agriculture and conservation. He keeps a farm of a very good standard with 26 suckler cows, and also carries out experiments in cooperation with Bangor University on how wildlife and farmer can both profit from planting trees. In addition, he manages areas of land with wildlife as the chief aim, has fenced off several areas around old trees and along streams and planted several new hedges, fitting them carefully into the landscape. Some fields are managed especially for lapwings. He keeps the old buildings of the farm, that used to belong to Lord Penrhyn, in excellent condition.
Third Prize winner: Tom and Greta Ellis, Tyddyn Du farm, Bronaber, Trawsfynydd A fine union of conservation and agriculture is to be found on the farm of Tyddyn Du, having traditional farming of a good standard with 18 breeding cattle on the mountain and 25 acres of silage. The woodlands are being grazed lightly, allowing them to regenerate themselves. Historical remains are also being kept with special respect. Enthusiastically Tom and Greta have created an educational trail on the farm and guide school parties around.
Third Prize winner: William David Harper and family, Clogwyn y Gwin farm, Rhyd Ddu David Harper and his family are enthusiastic conservationists, at the same time farming on an acceptable commercial level with good sheep and cattle. They have planted a new hedge and done fundamental work around the streams, especially shelter for otters. The stone walling fits into the landscape and contributes to the management of the animals. An ancient cowshed has been restored carefully, using traditional materials.