Conservation and environmental improvement were the focus when the contribution of farmers across the north of England was recognised at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Now in its 15th year, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s (YAS) prestigious Tye Trophy award covers farms in seven regions in the north, with a regional winner from each and one overall trophy winner.

YAS chief executive Allister Nixon said: “We have a long tradition of using competitions to highlight some of the best farms and practices and this competition demonstrates how farms can combine sustainable production while looking after the land.”

The Tye Trophy went to Simon and Claire Bainbridge of Bainbridge Farms, Donkin Ridge, Cambo, Morpeth, who received the award from YAS president, Martin Cockerill.

They farm 1,650 acres with 180 suckler cows and 1,300 sheep and grow early crop silage. Their conservation efforts at the organic farm have included replanting hedges and have resulted in many species of birds taking up residence, including oystercatchers, lapwings, curlews and cuckoos. They also provide education access and have a school room.

Simon said: “I just can’t believe we have won – I am literally gobsmacked. For all farmers across the north it has been a miserable eight or nine months with the weather but there were some amazing farmers there and we are very honoured to have won this special award.”

Each of the remaining six county winners also received a prize and a county trophy.

The regional winners were:

  • Cumbria: Jimmy and Tom Stobart, Croglin High Hall, Armathwaite, Brampton, Carlisle.
  • East Yorkshire: Derek and Katrina Gray, Wold Cottage Farm, Wold Newton, Driffield.
  • Lancashire: Emma Robinson and Ian O’Reilly at Gazegill Organics, Lower Gazehill Farm, Dancer Lane, Rimington.
  • North Yorkshire: Ray and Sue Ridley, Kexwith Farm, Marske, Richmond.
  • South and West Yorkshire: Chris Harrap, J&E Dickinson, Tyers Hall Farm, Doncaster Road, Ardsley, Barnsley.
  • Tyne Tees: Karen Scott, Low Way Farm, Holwick, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle.