Elizabeth Cole, of Church Hill Farm, was recognised in the regional round of Natural England's Future of Farming Awards 2008.

It is the second year of Natural England's award scheme, which celebrates the farmers who have made the greatest contribution to both conserving England's special wildlife and landscapes whilst helping people have greater access to the country's natural environment.

Mrs Cole shares the highly commended award with Karl Barton, who manages Goodwood Home Farm on the Goodwood Estate, near Chichester.

Church Hill Farm is a 54 hectare unit in the High Weald of East Sussex.

The farm provides for the family whilst being managed for environmental conservation with low intensity sheep and suckler herd enterprises supported by Higher Level Environmental Stewardship payments from Natural England.

Mrs Cole said: "I'm pleased and surprised to have won as it is the first time I have entered this competition.

"We have worked really hard to ensure the whole farm provides the best environment possible for birds, plants and other wildlife whilst providing an income to support the family.

"I took over 80 acres of arable land after my divorce in 1982 and decided to expand my sheep and my daughter's suckler herd.

"Arable was replaced with grassland using a careful selection of grass for diversity and longevity.

"I also decided to 'eventually' reinstate the old hedges and field boundaries.

"Then, in 1989, I formed a partnership with Holford Pitcher, a local farmer whose aims were the same.

"He also had all the knowledge and skills to implement the work needed.

"Our first task was clearing up after the 1987 storm.

"We cleared, fenced and replanted two small damaged woods and carried out tree surgery on most of the old oaks which make up our external boundaries.

"We also joined the conservation society. In 1994, 40 adjoining acres on the other side of the road where purchased and we joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

"In 2007 we purchased a further block of wetland which adjoins the existing wet grassland to the south of the farm."

Chris Harvey, land management programme manager for Natural England and chair of the judging panel, said: "Ms Cole is a worthy winner, showing how dedication to traditional farm management by dedicated owners can give superb results."

Ian Waller, of Hampden Bottom Farm, Great Missenden, Bucks, is the South East winner of the Future of Farming awards 2008.