A FARMING family from Chickerell has been praised for doing their bit for conservation.

The Vine family from Moor Farm at Knights in the Bottom won the Dorset Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group’s (FWAG) Otter Trophy 2008.

Organisers say the family scooped the award not only for successfully incorporating conservation into their farm business, but also for their willingness to exhibit their success to visitors.

They have diversified into tourism and have an all-year-round camping area at their pretty 330-acre site.

Visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour and are shown the farming system, habitats and wildlife.

The tour visits stone buildings of historic significance, including one that is home to breeding barn owls.

The farm has a network of wide margins around all its fields and the family decided to leave a considerable proportion of the land to birds.

Stephen and Patricia Vine used to farm beef but decided to change to arable crops and planted much of their steepest land with around 10,000 trees.

The judges were impressed with the high quality ponds, woodlands and extensive margins, all of which are managed with a great deal of thought and understanding.

Mrs Vine said: “We’re delighted to win this award.

“We entered at the last minute after visiting the winning farm last year for a FWAG meeting and hearing about the competition.”

She added: “Our visitors love the fact they can get out of the towns and cities and spend a few days on a farm.

“We’re out in the middle of the country but also only a few steps from the sea.”

As well as the trophy, the Vines won £200 and a specially commissioned watercolour certificate.

They have also been put forward to compete in a national contest.

FWAG, a charity dedicated to providing environmental advice to farmers and landowners, says there will be a chance for people to view the farm when it organises an evening walk next July.

For more information about this and the Otter Trophy contact the Dorset branch of FWAG on 01305 251742.