As a result the land is now expected to provide a home for many species of wildlife and birds, including the great crested newt. In conjunction with English Nature, Mr Tomley has drawn up a management scheme to encourage the flora and fauna to flourish.

Mr Tomley said:

"The golf course was actually designed by an architect 12 years ago, but we did not have sufficient funds to go ahead with the project until we were given the grant by Defra.

"We are very proud of the contribution that we have made to the environment with this project. The Golf Club has also increased local job opportunities as we employ 5 people full-time now, whereas we only required one part-time worker on that land before; and from a tourism point of view, the golfing itself will bring visitors to this region."

With its extensive views of the Welsh hills, the new course is already attracting plenty of golfers. Since opening in July, membership has more than doubled to 125 members and Mr Tomley regularly receives positive comments from newcomers.

Peter Loat, a project officer at Defra s Rural Development Service

said:

"This project involves all the elements which we look for in a grant proposal: it will benefit local employment and tourism, and it contributes towards a sustainable environment.

The parkland incorporates hundreds of oak trees which are complementary both to the scenery and to wildlife, whereas previously the trees made it difficult to farm the land. Its conversion to a golf course means the oaks are now appreciated and maintained as they should be."

Lawrence Burton MBE, chairman of Oswestry and District Civic society,

said:

"We are delighted to have awarded the Millicent Kaye Trophy to Ralph Tomley; he deserves to be highly commended on the tremendous improvement he has made to Henlle Hall s old park. Local reaction to the golf course has been incredible and the fact that it is accessed by a public footpath means that we can all enjoy it, whether we play golf or not."

IF YOU WANT MORE INFO ON THE SUPPORT WHICH IS PART OF THIS PROJECT

1. The Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) is part of the England Rural Development Programme. Its coverage is wide-ranging with the primary aim being to help farmers adapt to changing markets and develop new business opportunities. But RES also has a broader role in supporting the development of the rural economy, community, heritage and environment so other rural businesses, partnerships, companies and rural community groups are also eligible to receive funding.

2. A total of 152 million Euros of EU and Government money has been allocated to RES from April 2001 to 2006. The scheme is available throughout England, except in designated Objective 1 areas such as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly where separate funding schemes apply.

3. The England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) provides a framework for the operation of 10 separate but integrated schemes which provide new opportunities to protect and improve the countryside, to develop sustainable enterprises and to help rural communities to thrive. As well as RES, the schemes (and a brief outline of their aims) are:

- Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Schemes: protecting landscapes and wildlife habitats, improving

biodiversity.

- Organic Farming Scheme: promoting organic production.

- Hill Farm Allowance Scheme: supporting sustainable farming in the

English hills.

- Woodland Grant and Farm Woodland Premium Schemes: encouraging

planting of new woodland and maintenance of existing woodland.

- Energy Crops Scheme: (encouraging renewable energy production).

- Rural Enterprise Scheme: supporting a diversified and enterprising

rural economy.

- Vocational Training Scheme: improving occupational skills of

farmers.

- Processing and Marketing Grant: improving agricultural processing

and marketing infrastructure.

4. A total of 1.6 billion Euros of EU and Government money is being made available under these schemes in England during the 7 years (2000 to

2006) of the Programme.