TWO moorland farmers, who have been pioneers in wildlife conservation and diversification, are now in line for a national award.

Four generationas of John Simpson's family have run Keasbeck Hill Farm at Harwood Dale in the North York Moors National Park.

Mr Simpson realised dramatic changes in agriculture were on the horizon and set about exploring the potential of his 200-acre farm as a haven for wildlife, as a resource for educational parties, for disabled people, and as a tourist centre.

John and his wife Lynda's combination of farming, conservation and tourism has helped them to get through to the second round of the 2001 Farmcare Silver Lapwing Award, run by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.

They are now hoping to be in the national shortlist of six entries for the competition, which seeks to find the farmer who has done most to improve the wildlife and landscape value on a commercially-run farm.

This year's competition has attracted a record number of 217 entries nationwide.

The Simpsons' conservation scheme includes a wetland area with a wealth of orchids, foxgloves, primroses and native trees, which have been planted along with the creation of new broadleafed woodland, and drystone walIs which have been restored.

It attracts more than 20 school parties a year and has become increasingly popular with walkers and tourists staying at the farm's 15-bed hotel complex.

"We have set up a number of walks taking in the farm's wetland and woodland, as well as routes through the village," said the father-of-four Mr Simpson.

"Farming is going to have to change dramatically if it is to survive."