Support Jack in his bid to become UK’s top wildlife farmer

Support Jack in his bid to become UK’s top wildlife farmer

29 August 2012

THE Down Recorder is throwing its weight behind a Downpat-rick man’s bid to become the UK’s most wildlife friendly farmer.

We are hoping our readers will vote for Jack Kelly, from Ballyalton, who is in the national finals of Nature of Farming Award run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

He is now competing with three other farmers in the UK for the prestigious national award, which will be decided through a public vote. Jack has already won the Northern Ireland section.

Jack is delighted that work he does on his farm to encourage wildlife to flourish has been publicly acknowledged by the RSPB.

Living on a 36-acre farm at Ballyalton, which has been in his family since the late 18th century, Jack said he first attempted to encourage more birds onto his land several years ago.

His efforts were formalised through a Country-side Scheme, through which farmers were paid to create inviting habitats and feed for birds.

When the scheme drew to an end, Jack said he was so interested in the wildlife on his farm that he decided to continue his own efforts at home.

“I took a great interest in the whole thing and in what was around the farm and decided to try to do a bit more for wildlife,” he said.

“This could be just by keeping good hedges for them to build their nests and keeping cereal crops in part of the farm all year round so they can feed during the harsh winter months.”

Jack said his efforts have been rewarded by the growing population of yellow hammers and tree sparrows on his farms and other farms in the areas. This is despite a general reduction in the population of these birds in Northern Ireland.

“I do not think this takes much effort but it is great to see the birds thriving and feeding on the farm,” he said. “For me I do not consider it work because I enjoy it do much.”

“I was delighted when the RSPB put me forward for the award and of course it would be nice to win.”

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie visited Jack at his farm last week to offer her support to his nomination for the RSPB competition.

Describing jack as an “ambassador” for farming, she said she hoped the community would also offer him its backing.

Voting for the competition closes on September 5.