Following the launch of the Farming in Protected Landscapes grant programme in July 2021 by the Isle of Wight AONB team, a second successful year has produced a series of twenty-two funded projects over 1,805 hectares of farmland in the nationally designated landscape.
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, improving access for people to enjoy the landscape and specialist equipment.
More than 11,000 trees and hedge plants established
This year’s Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition was also funded through the programme. Over 11,000 trees and hedge plants were established 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 the Country Landowners and Business Association, the National Farmers’ Union and Natural England, as well as other local farmers.
Grogan: Conserving and enhancing the Island’s designated landscape
Richard Grogan, Manager for the Isle of Wight AONB said,
“This second round of grants has increased our investment in conserving and enhancing the Island’s designated landscape by supporting farmers and landowners who continue to contribute to its character and vitality.”
The Isle of Wight AONB is opening a new round of applications for farmers and landowners in the AONB.
Further details can be found on the Isle of Wight AONB Website.
News shared by Richard on behalf of IW AONB. Ed
Image: © AONB Partnership
