At the Beautiful Farm 2009/10 Awards hosted by Lord Palmer on 10th March at the House of Lords in London, Clough Bottom Farm, Clitheroe, was Highly commended for the North West.

Clough Bottom Farm dates back to the 17th century and is an organic beef farm which has diversified into holiday cottages, a tree and shrub nursery and organic beef boxes. The farm is run by the Backhouse family and conservation minded to minimise the impact on the environment. Part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and English Woodland Grant Scheme, wildlife corridors and ditches have been created, existing ponds restored, ancient woodlands maintained, new woodlands created and hedges reinstated.

Harry and Jane Backhouse see themselves as guardians of the countryside and believe Clough Bottom Farm is in balance with nature.

Harry and Jane Backhouse received the award from celebrity TV chef James Martin. James Martin has worked long and hard to promote pride in British fayre and produce and to promote the 'artisans' that supply the chef industry with good British food.

Clough Bottom Farm are also members of the Forest of Bowland AONB Sustainable Tourism Network and hold a Gold Green Tourism Business Scheme award.

Very well done to them!