Paul Warburton, who farms near Wallingford, is English Nature's greenest farmer in the south.

He gained the regional award and now goes on to the national finals next month.

Mr Warburton has made North Farm between Shillingford and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell a haven for wildlife, and a productive business.

He defends farmers against claims that they are not green-minded. He said: "It is frustrating to read all the negative press reports about farmers grubbing up hedgerows -- most of that occurred under Government encouragement in the 1950s and 1960s.

"Most farmers are working hard to enhance the environment. I hope to leave this area a better place, a place that grows food for the hungry and provides a home for wildlife."

Mr Warburton has helped wildlife by establishing ponds and leaving grassy margins around crops. He said: "This work has increased the number of birds, wild flowers and insects on the farmland and things like the crack willows in the wet areas are managed by traditional methods."