More than 50 farmers from across Cumbria were shown new practices being adopted at an Eden Valley farm recently.
They visited Gaythorne Hall Farm, Orton, Penrith last week to take part in a farm walk and debate with the Farmer Network and the RSPB.
Farm manager Jim Beary led the farm walk along with Paul Arkle of the Cumbria Farm Environment Partnership.
The farmers viewed the new regenerative farming practices being adopted on the farm and how they might fit into future ELM schemes such as nature recovery and landscape change, due to commence in 2024.
Paul Arkle stressed the need for farming and conservation to work together in partnership.
He said: “This can only work properly with carefully conceived environmental schemes wrapped around a viable and sustainable farm production business. This is what we have to aim for.”
Later, Bill Kenmir and Janet Fairclough of the RSPB gave a presentation about the Endangered Landscapes Project with potential for major funding to support local farmers plan for coming changes in agricultural support, in ways that help to sustain a nature rich landscape and profitable farm businesses.
The RSPB and partners are seeking to engage and collaborate with farmers and communities within the Project area.
The debate was robust and respectful as farmers openly shared their feelings and concerns.
The clear message from the majority of farmers was that they would engage further with the Project and were keen to stress the importance of the farm business as integral to delivering the project’s conservation objectives.
Bill said: “We are grateful to the Farmer Network for organising this meeting and this feels like an important step towards working closely with the farming community through the Endangered Landscapes Project.”
Adam Day, managing director of the Farmer Network which facilitated the event, said: “I’m pleased so many farmers attended the farm walk. Our aim is to support the farming community whatever the challenge or opportunity. That is why we believe it is so important to be aware of potential funding projects, debate them openly, and work together to create the right scheme, in the right place, for the right reward!”
