News

THIRD GENERATION FARMER WINS MOORLAND ASSOCIATION TROPHY

October 2006

Stuart Wood of Wethercote Farm, Bilsdale, Helmsley won the coveted Moorland Association Rose Bowl Trophy for the best pen of ewes hefted to the North York Moors at Cundalls' sheep sale, Fadmoor, North Yorkshire on Saturday 30th September. Mr Wood is a third generation tenant farmer, with 1000 Swaledale ewes on Mexborough Estates' Bilsdale West Moor, which is managed in tandem for red grouse. Said George Winn-Darley, Moorland Association Committee Member for the North York Moors said: 'Sheep grazing and grouse moor management go hand in hand to keep our heather moorlands ecologically and economically thriving. However, there is an alarming decline in hefted upland flocks which, if it continues, could make heather moorland management very difficult in the long term. The Rose Bowl Trophy is awarded to encourage continued good grazing practice and Mr Wood's husbandry is an excellent example of how managing sheep numbers, grazing patterns and health aspects can produce quality ewes, whilst helping to protect the precious heather moorland on which they survive.' Said winner Mr Wood: 'We are delighted to have won this trophy. We liaise closely with the Estate moorland gamekeepers to ensure that, between us, we manage the habitat so that the red grouse and the sheep get the best out of it. In addition we protect the sheep from ticks and diseases through dipping and vaccination which has a knock-on benefit to susceptible moorland birds - such as curlew and grouse - that thrive in this managed landscape. In these days of area payments it is crucial to get the very best out of every sheep and we want to maintain a viable business to pass on to our children.' For further press information please contact Amanda Anderson, Anderson PR Ltd on: 0845 4589786 Notes to Editors: The Moorland Association represents the moorland owners and managers of 750,000 acres of the remaining 800,000 acres of heather moorland in England and Wales. Its aim is to halt the loss of heather moorland - a habitat under threat and rarer than rainforest. The primary interest that has secured the future of heather is the management for red grouse through careful rotational burning and grazing. www.moorlandassociation.org The North York Moors represents the largest area of unbroken heather moorland in England and is designated SSSI, SAC and SPA for habitat and wildlife - the highest national and European levels of protection possible. Bilsdale West Moor is SSSI, SAC, SPA and under Countryside Stewardship Scheme. The Estate has invested in bracken control, drystone walling and fencing to help with sheep management and contributes to a double Louping Ill vaccination programme The Estate is also considering further habitat enhancements to bring white ground back to heather via the new Higher Level Scheme. 4,473 of Scot and Swaledale breeding sheep, gimmer and wether lambs were entered for the sale specifically for moorland sheep, marking a 26% increase from last year. www.cundalls.co.uk

Moorland Association member Lady Clarissa Collins, owner of Bransdale Moor, presented the Moorland Association Rose Bowl Trophy for the best pen of ewes hefted on the North York Moors to Mr J. S. Wood of Wethercote Farm, Bilsdale at Cundall's sheep sale, Fadmoor, Saturday 30th September.