Stephen and Joceline Gibson, of Birkdale Farm, Terrington, have beaten off stiff competition to be named Northern England’s winner of the RSPB’s Nature of Farming Award.

They now join three other finalists for the next phase of the competition, which sees the UK public vote for Britain’s most wildlife- friendly farmer.

Since they bought the farm in 1996, the Gibson’s have maintained and enhanced the existing wildlife habitats and created new ones. The range of ponds, wetland features, and arable margins on the farm are perfect for a wide range of birds and other wildlife.

Chris Tomson, the RSPB’s regional agricultural advisor in Northern England, said: “The Gibsons are incredibly enthusiastic about their conservation work, which complements their farming system. Birkdale Farm is not a nature reserve but a good commercial farm that has an extensive range of wildlife habitats created by the visionary owners. There is a whole range of rare arable plants, which are absent from neighbouring farms, and nationally. Birds such as skylarks, turtle doves, tree sparrows and barn owls, together with dragonflies, all benefit from the work on the farm.”

Farmers from across the UK entered the award – now in its second year – hoping to impress the judges with their conservation projects and wildlife-friendly farming techniques. Following much deliberation, four regional finalists have made it to the shortlist after being judged on their efforts to protect and restore habitats for birds and other wildlife.

The next stage of the contest will see the RSPB opening up the voting to the public. Voters can log on to the webpoll at www.rspb.org.uk/farmvote to read a profile of each finalist before making their choice. The RSPB will also take the public vote out on the road by attending the major county shows and events in the coming months. The vote runs until August 28.