A MAJOR award to celebrate the resurgence of rural skills in the Devon countryside is being launched this week. The Prince of Wales Award, presented in partnership with the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA), pays tribute to the master craftsmen and women who are training young people today. The DCAA is calling on anyone who admires the work of craftspeople as trainers and mentors to nominate them for a prestigious award. Mervyn Hosking, DCAA secretary, said the award was a way to recognise the contribution skilled craftspeople are making to the continuation of traditional skills. ?We are looking for the person who is offering the best opportunity to young people to become part of any rural trade or profession, be they farmer, landowner, partnership or lone craftsman,? said Mr Hosking. The trades included in the awards remit include forestry, hedging, ditching, fencing, woodwork, stone walling and game keeping, and many others connected to rural land management. ?Nomination is a simple procedure and only requires a one-page form to be returned, so we urge the community to take up this award and recognise those outstanding individuals who are doing so much to keep our countryside alive and well,? added Mr Hosking. Renewed interest in rural trades has been recognised by the Countryside Agency which published the first major study of the sector for 80 years. It concluded that traditional skills are alive and well and could overtake traditional farming. The Prince of Wales Award is now in its 26th year but has recently changed its criteria. In the past it has been given to farmers who have diversified and changed with the times to make the most out of their business. This year?s award was presented to dry stone waller Wilfred Hutchings from Chagford and the new winner will be presented with a framed certificate and a £1,000 cash prize at the Devon County Show next May. Application forms are available from Christine Wood at the DCAA by phoning 01392 353710. The closing date is February 28.
