Bransden, who grows kohlrabi, fennel, onions, spinach, coriander and outdoor flowers on 70ha in Middlesex won the English Nature Farming and Wildlife Award.

Bransden said the award was 'great' and it recognises his achievements in nature conservation and provides £6,000 for new wildlife projects. His Laleham Farm was converted from a gravel pit and has been a Linking the Environment and Farming (LEAF) demonstration farm for six years.

'To be able to produce one of the UK's most environment-friendly farms from wasteland is a major achievement and one worthy of recognition,' said NFU president Ben Gill.

Bransden's farm is a haven for lapwings, skylarks and little ringed plovers. It also has a conservation lake which is a habitat for kingfishers, reed warblers and herons.

The funds provided by the award will be used for hedging projects and a wildlife corridor. 'We will also be keeping on top of crows and magpies,' said Bransden. 'It is not just about habitat but controlling predators too.'

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