Gordon has been a client of Townends for many years and we were delighted to hear that he was shortlisted for the Yorkshire Post Farmer of the Year 2015, announced at the Great Yorkshire Show on 14 July 2015.
The award is designed to recognise farmers who go the extra mile to educate the public about what they do and help preserve our rural landscape, something Gordon is very passionate about.
When the HLS (Higher Level Stewardship) scheme was introduced in 2006, Gordon embraced the opportunity to create an alternative income stream that would also contribute to enhance the countryside. Gordon became knowledgeable about our local wildlife and the conservation issues surrounding arable farming. Together with his family they have considerably increased the wildlife on the farm by planting hedgerows, creating wildlife corridors, digging new ponds and a host of other conservation measures.
Since starting this new venture Gordon has become involved with The Nature Triangle set up by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, sits on the East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston upon Hull Local Access Forum advising councils on access issues, opens his farm to the public for Open Farm Sunday and hosts farm walks throughout the year.
As a separate project Gordon rebuilt his farmhouse at Forest Farm, Rascal Wood into a beautiful seven bedroom property (see pic above) which is let to the public all year round and has become an extremely popular holiday destination at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Congratulations on your achievement Gordon, thoroughly deserved!
