The new year will bring a new start for a Norfolk wildlife charity aiming to integrate environmental thinking into commercial farming practices.

The organisation previously known as Farm Conservation Limited has reverted back to its original name of Norfolk FWAG from January 1, bringing it under the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group brand.

The group was first established in the 1960s to provide independent environmental advice to the agricultural community, helping farmers to make the most of the available agri-environment schemes, from Environmentally Sensitive Areas through to Higher Level Stewardship.

In autumn 2011, the national FWAG Association went into receivership, but a new association was launched in 2012 which consisted of local groups representing 15 counties across England. Norfolk FWAG was one of the founding members.

West Norfolk farmer Joe Martin is chairman of the FWAG Association and also a director and trustee of Norfolk FWAG. He said: 'I am delighted that our organisation can now legally revert back to its original name of Norfolk FWAG.

'The legacy which we inherit, of a charitable, independent, farmer-led and membership-based group to promote economic farming while enhancing our environment and biodiversity, is a cause that Norfolk FWAG will continue.'

Norfolk FWAG chairman Charles Sayer, who farms at Sparham, near Lenwade, added: 'The FWAG brand is synonymous with all that is the best in farming and wildlife, and we look forward to continuing to deliver more top quality schemes in the future, which will help integrate biodiversity into commercial farming systems.'

The company is a not-for-profit organisation which gained charitable status in 2012. It is led by a board of directors and trustees with a voluntary steering group of farmers and statutory organisations, including Natural England, Norfolk County Council, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, The Norfolk Historic Environment Service and the RSPB.

For more information, see www.norfolkfwag.co.uk.