ENVIRONMENTALLY-CONSCIOUS farmers in the North Pennines area are being encouraged to put themselves forward for this year’s Pendlebury Award.

Organised by The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, nominations are now open for the award, which aims to recognises those individuals or groups who go the extra mile to look after the globally important North Pennines landscape.

Now in its sixth year, the award was inspired by the late Bob Pendlebury, the first chairman of the partnership and a great campaigner for the area and its natural beauty.

Last year, the winner was Sinderhope farmer Robert Philipson, who was recognised for his methods of farming in harmony with the natural environment. It has led to great numbers of upland wading birds breeding successfully on his farmland.

Previous winners include Ian Forbes, who ran Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum, Durham countryside ranger David Liddle and Teesdale conservationists Chris and Heather McCarty.

The partnership’s director, Chris Woodley-Stewart, said: “Since the award’s inception in 2013, there have been some excellent recipients who have shown tremendous commitment to the North Pennines and its conservation.

“The award is a way for the AONB Partnership to recognise those people who do so much for the area’s landscape, wildlife and heritage, either in their working lives or in their spare time.”

To make a nomination contact Simon Wilson on simon@northpenninesaonb.org.uk. The winner will be announced mid-May.