Growing Skills – Funding for the Future

Dear Reader

The economic environment is unstable right now and the whole nation is facing spending cuts. However, the good news is that Defra have made a positive commitment to increase the funding for the High Level Stewardship scheme (HLS) in the years ahead. Farmers and land owners are being encouraged to apply for these schemes to help them achieve their goals in line with the Rural Development Programme (helping farmers to manage land more sustainably and deliver important outcomes on biodiversity, landscape and access, water quality and climate change.)

This is a valuable resource that many can benefit from so we at the Rural Skills Centre have decided to devote this edition of Growing Skills to the nuts and bolts of HLS and how the courses we offer are in line with their stipulations for funding. We've included some top tips on hedgerow trimming at the end of the newsletter so don't forget to take a look.

Also, SW farmers and landowners are entitled to 50% funding through DEFRA's RDPE Skills Programme for many of our courses. If you would like any more information about grants and skills funding, or any of the courses we have available, contact James or phone us on 01285 889873.

Best wishes

James

HLS: What is it and how does it work?

HLS is a discretionary and environmentally targeted, competitive scheme which aims for maximum environmental benefit and value for money. It involves 6 monthly payments and a 10 year tailored agreement of high environmental value involving complex and specialised land management. Its objectives relate to biodiversity, landscape, historic environment, offering opportunities for access to the countryside and organised educational visits to farms for schools and special interest groups. Conservation management is also a key factor in the process (and was the subject of our last newsletter, click here to view.)

In order to apply you must prepare a Farm Environmental Plan which records all the habitats and features across your farm. Applications that demonstrate good environmental management for your target area or theme features are more likely to be successful – for instance in our target region of the Cotswolds the following objectives are considered important: biodiversity, landscape, historic environment, and access and resource protection.

HLS can contribute to a wide range of capital works such as restoration of hedgerows and traditional farm buildings. Whilst Defra is very clear that biodiversity should be afforded a high priority, you can choose from a wide range of environmental and conservation options for your farm where these enhance the key habitats and features identified in your Farm Environmental Plan.

Hedgerow restoration and growth as an ideal part of your plan

In 2009 farmers and land managers participating in High Level Stewardship schemes benefited from more than half a million in funding for hedgerows and associated fencing. Hedgerows were predominantly created or restored for conservation purposes and to assist habitat management. Current HLS policy seeks to develop the conservation of species rich hedgerows by appropriate management.

Why hedgerows?

• Hedgerows are important historical and cultural landscape features. Some of the oldest are remnants of the wild wood that once covered England and still retain indicators of ancient woodland.
• Hedgerow networks are also a vital resource for wildlife. They provide food and breeding sites for a host of creatures including birds, butterflies and small mammals; their management has a significant impact on the wildlife as well as the landscape.
• Hedgerows also play a key role in stock management, shelter and erosion control.

Hedgerows can constitute boundaries that are fundamental to protecting your land, maximising its potential, minimising environmental impact and ensuring sustainability. If you would like to find out more about Hedgerow management and funding possibilities call us on 01285 889873 or click here to email James Foster.

Forthcoming Conservation Courses

BASIS Conservation Management
17-19 January 2011
8-10 June 2011

BASIS Nutrient Management
18-20 January 2011

BASIS Soil and Water
29 November – 3 December 2010
7-11 March 2011

Reminder:

SW farmers and landowners are entitled to 50% funding through DEFRA's RDPE Skills Programme for the above training.

All FACTS qualified advisors need to update with the NMP course in the next 4 or 5 years to continue practising. Contact James for more information.

News