BERWICK Bassett farmer and keen photographer David White has been shortlisted for a top national wildlife prize.

Mr White, a fourth generation farmer, farms in partnership with his son Edward at Manor Farm, Berwick Bassett.

He is one of four farmers shortlisted for this year’s RSPB’s Nature of Farming Award which the public votes for at country shows or in the Daily Telegraph.

The farmers all have strong environmental credentials and manage their farms with bird, plant, mammal and insect populations in mind.

Mr White and his son farm a 554-ha predominantly arable farm which includes 52 hectares (about 125 acres) of uncultivated downland where they leave the grass long to encourage voles and mice which birds of prey feed on.

By working with nature and managing the land without insecticides, Mr White’s farm is home to bird species including corn bunting, lapwing, tree sparrows and yellow wagtail.

As well as birds, it also supports butterflies and rare plants.

Mr White said: “Although we are primarily a commercial arable farm, we also have a passion for the wildlife we are privileged to have on our farm, and we are continually increasing the areas on the farm being managed for wildlife as the primary concern.”

His passion for wildlife, he said, was helped by the fact he was a keen wildlife photographer Kevin Rylands, RSPB South West farmland conservation adviser said: “It’s inspiring to see the hard work and care that many farmers across the south-west are putting in to ensure that there are safe havens for wildlife in fields, woodlands and hedgerows.”

Votes can be cast until August 31 and the winner will be announced in September.