16 January 2007
Dartmoor Farmer wins Conservation Award for saving Medieval Farmhouse
The 2006 winners of the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s biennial Edward Morshead Award have been announced. Mrs Sue Morshead will present the Award at a ceremony, at Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Headquarters, on 18 January. The Award is made in recognition of significant contributions to National Park purposes, ie the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor, and the promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.
.jpg) | The Edward Morshead Award first prize goes to David Norrish for the high quality restoration of the late medieval farmhouse, Addislade, Dean Prior, near Buckfastleigh. |
Until recently Addisalde was listed as a ‘building at risk’ due to the very poor condition of its roof. David Norrish has continued to farm the land at Addislade whilst at the same time turning his practical skills and strength to a major building repair project to rescue the farmhouse. With grant aid from English Heritage and Dartmoor National Park Authority, David Norrish saved the house from what was rapidly becoming a near hopeless situation.
Second prize has been awarded to Proper Job Ltd, Chagford, for promoting and practising the principles of re-use, repair and recycle, fair trade and healty eating. Third prize is awarded to Colin Abel, who farms near Peter Tavy, for work on the Forest and Commons of Dartmoor and on behalf of the hill farm community.
This year a Special Award is presented to John Hodge, in recognition of outstanding service as Chairman of the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council 1986 – 2004.
Certificates of High Commendation, in recognition of meritorious contributions to the purposes of the National Park, will also be presented to:
MED Theatre, a Manaton based theatre company, for the Wild Nights - Young Company Project.
Charlotte Faulkner, of Poundsgate, for tireless work promoting the Dartmoor Hill Pony.
Elizabeth Newbolt-Young, of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, for outstanding work preserving the traditional Dartmoor Pony.
The Church House South Tawton, for the high quality community restoration of the Church House, South Tawton.
The Dartmoor Preservation Association Shield, in recognition of the best contribution by young people to National Park Purposes on Dartmoor, will be presented by Colin Turner, Chairman of the Association, to John Ratcliffe School, Dawlish, for long term practical work on Dartmoor in conjunction with the National Park Authority Ranger and Education Services.
In coming to their decisions the judges were impressed by the wide range of activities carried out by individuals, groups and organisations, all for the benefit of Dartmoor. They acknowledged the contribution and achievements of all the entries nominated for the Award.
Ends
The media are invited to attend the presentation of the Edward Morshead Award prizes to be held on 18 January, 6 pm, in the Meeting Room at Dartmoor National Park Authority Headquarters, Parke, Bovey Tracey.
For Further Information
John Weir, Head of Communications
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Tel: (01626) 832093
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Notes for Editors
Edward Morshead was Chairman of the Dartmoor National Park Committee from 1985 to 1989. He died in office. He spent much time on the ground, committed to farming and the conservation of the landscape.
To qualify, work or activity must take place within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park. Nominations and entries are accepted from any Devon resident, or County based professional or voluntary body. Individual projects of a practical nature contributing to landscape quality, ecological or archaeological/cultural conservation, or to enjoyment and understanding, can be entered. Nominations can also be made for outstanding individual, or corporate, contributions to Dartmoor and the National Park purposes. Entries must relate to the two years prior to the closing date.
There are three separate prizes within the Award Scheme:
First prize - a specially commissioned trophy, to be held for two years, and a cash prize of £250.
Second prize - £150.
Third prize - £100.
A certificate and permanent photographic memento for each Award winner will also be presented.
In addition the Dartmoor Preservation Association, which is kindly associated with the Award, offers a special recognition of outstanding conservation work carried out by young people. This section of the Award comprises a shield, to be retained for two years, and a cash prize. All entries received by the National Park Authority that relate to projects undertaken by young people are automatically considered.
Addislade is a grade II * listed building, located on the south eastern fringe of Dartmoor, in the parish of Dean PrIor, near Buckfastleigh. It has many interesting features showing the development of the house in response to ownership and prosperity from farming in Devon during the past 400 years. For more information visit www.addislade.deanprior.com. (external link, opens new window).
Proper Job Ltd is a ‘not for profit’ organisation whose overall aim is to advance education of the public in all matters concerning conservation, waste management and recycling. Proper Job Ltd is based in the Crannafords Industrial Park, about a mile from Chagford Town Centre, and operates a composting and recycling operation as well as a market garden and biodiesel buyers club. Proper Job also operates the Courtyard Café in Chagford and offers a programme of training to help build a sustainable community.
Colin Abel farms near Peter Tavy on the western fringe of the National Park. In addition to the day to day mangement of his farm, Colin Abel is Chairman of the Forest of Dartmoor Commoners’ Association, Chairman of Peter Tavy Commoners’ Association and a member of the South West Uplands Forum. He is one of six Dartmoor Farmers involved in the Moor Skills Project, actively training students in traditional moorland farming skills, and is making a positive contribution to upland farming on Dartmoor.
John Hodge was elected Chairman of the Dartmoor Commoners Council in 1986 and was annually re-elected to this position for 19 years. During this time he saw many changes in agriculture – from the introduction of the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) scheme to the devastating effects of the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak. He has lived within Dartmoor National Park all his life, dedicating his time to the landscape and the farming community of Dartmoor.
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,400 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 16 January 2007
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Page updated 15 January 2007
