Following the launch of the Farming in Protected Landscapes grant programme in July 2021 by the Isle of Wight AONB team, a series of twenty-one projects were funded over 5,393 hectares of farmland in the nationally designated landscape in its first round.
These projects included work to enhance the natural beauty of the countryside through such diverse projects as hedge-planting and fencing, grassland management to conserve rare plants or insects, conservation of historic features, specialist equipment and resources to help collaborative farming including the creation or support of three farmer clusters.
8,500 trees were planted as part of these projects as a contribution to climate change resilience.
Advice and guidance were provided by Mark Simmons and Lucy Temple of the Isle of Wight AONB and the grants were awarded through the Farming in Protected Landscapes Local Access Panel, with representatives from both the Country Landowners and Business Association and the National Farmers’ Union as well as other local farmers.
Richard Grogan, Lead Officer for the Isle of Wight AONB said,
“The farming community has an important role as stewards of the Island’s AONB and we are encouraged by their innovative approaches to enhance the landscape for people, wildlife and place.”
Munt: It really can focus on Island priorities
Robyn Munt, chair of the NFU said,
“It has been very positive to work with the FiPL team to assess and promote projects and to see the contribution that this scheme; part of the Government’s new Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs), can make to the Island’s landscape and members’ farming businesses.
“Administered and delivered locally, it really can focus on Island priorities.”
New round of applications
The Isle of Wight AONB is opening a new round of applications for farmers and landowners in the AONB.
Further details can be found via the IW AONB Website.
News shared by Joel on behalf of Isle of Wight AONB. Ed
