NFU COMMENT on the government announcement that nearly £20 million will be made available for agri-environment agreements to help farmers and land managers reduce flood risk, protect wildlife and create new habitats.
Farming Minister George Eustice this week confirmed details of forthcoming Countryside Stewardship elements, including woodland creation and woodland planning grants, and a new flood action facilitation fund to help landowners create natural flood management solutions.
The NFU’s countryside adviser Claire Robinson said: “It’s good to see decisions are being made on the future funding of Countryside Stewardship. We still need to know what elements will be available in 2017. The announcement of the woodland creation and planning grants and facilitation fund in flood affected areas is the first part of the jigsaw.”
“Undertaking NFM activities on farm, e.g. woody debris dams, requires technical advice and permits from the relevant authorities. They are complex to deliver and guidance is required to ensure they are effective. The facilitation fund will allow groups of farmers considering natural flood management options to work through these issues together.”
Farming Minister George Eustice said: “The Countryside Stewardship scheme plays a crucial role in enhancing our environment – conserving and restoring habitats to help wildlife recover, creating woodlands to improve air quality and reduce flood risk, and improving our landscapes to increase productivity and resilience.
“I’m pleased to confirm details for next year for these elements of Countryside Stewardship, and I encourage farmers and land owners across the country to apply.”
Flood action facilitation fund
Up to £720,000 will be made available to groups of farmers, foresters and other land managers to develop natural flood management projects on their land.
The new funding will help groups of farmers and other land managers in areas hit by last winter’s flooding to work together to reduce flood risk and apply for funding to plant trees, create water meadows and restore rivers to their natural meanders.
Potential applicants have until 15 February 2-17 to apply.
Woodland creation and planning grants
Farmers and land managers can apply for funding to support woodland creation and the long-term management of forests.
The fund opens on 3 January and Woodland Creation applications are available for download. Woodland Planning application forms will be available shortly.