Ellesmere Estate shortlisted in the Countryside Alliance Awards
Oteley Estate, based in Ellesmere has been shortlisted to win a Countryside Alliance Award in the Rural Enterprise Category.
The Awards received over seventeen thousand nominations this year, so Oteley Estate has done extremely well to be nominated. The Awards are the Countryside Alliance’s annual celebration of British food & farming, enterprise, and heritage through small, hard-working businesses.
Oteley Estate sits on the shores of Ellesmere Mere and is home to the Mainwaring family, their iconic Highland cattle, shorthorn and commercial cattle, sheep and pigs. Events are held regularly in the original stable yard, where the 10-acre private gardens can be explored.
“We are extremely honoured to have been shortlisted in the Countryside Alliance Awards, we never thought something like this happen to us!” Clare says, “From where we started just a few years ago, to where we are now, we are so proud to have been recognised for that hard work.
“Oteley Estate is a working farm, but we’re also wanting to raise awareness for the stunning surroundings we have right on our doorstep, as well as promoting local food produced right here on our farm. Nothing gets more local than that!”
Countryside Alliance Awards Director Sarah Lee commented: “We have been overwhelmed by nominations this year. The secret to the Rural Oscars’ popularity is that they honour the people involved in these businesses and not just their produce or services. They exist to sing the praises of those who work hard to keep our communities and rural economy ticking, but don’t seek the spotlight. These awards provide a cause for celebration in a time of great uncertainty in the countryside.”
Winners will be chosen via a public vote in February and announce in the Spring. The winners of each region will be up against fellow winners from around the UK and the national champion will be announced at the House of Lords in May.
