A WILTSHIRE farmer has been named regional lapwing champion because of his efforts to help revive the bird's habitat.

Henry Edmunds, who farms at Cholderton Estate, near Amesbury, has recently converted to organic methods.

He said: "Intensive cropping in the English lowlands and the loss of stock from farms has caused a catastrophic decline in lapwing numbers.

"I am delighted to do what I can to conserve this bird and hope that other farmers will reintroduce livestock on to their farms to give the lapwing a chance for a better future."

Des Sussex, of the Rural Development Service, was one of the judges.

He said: "Henry Edmunds has a real understanding of how to design and manage his farming system to benefit lapwings.

"His carefully planned mosaic of field and crop types, right across the farm, provide a succession of lapwing breeding opportunities, with both nesting and foraging habitat in close proximity to each other."

The competition is part of Operation Lapwing, which has been organised by the RSPB.

Farmers have the chance to win £1,500 in prize money in recognition of their achievements for conservation.

Mr Edmunds will now compete with farmers from all over the country for the title of Lapwing Champion 2005.