Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority farm advisers will be holding events in Hawes and Reeth in the next few weeks to connect farmers and landowners to new Countryside Stewardship schemes and grants.
With the application window for the new schemes opening on Monday, the authority’s farm team is inviting people to the following evening meetings, which start at 7.30pm and include a free supper:
- Wensleydale Pantry, Hawes Tuesday 16th January
- Buck Hotel, Reeth Wednesday 17th January
The government announced the changes to Countryside Stewardship in November – saying it would be “simpler and easier” for farmers and landowners to apply.
Countryside Stewardship offers payments to farmers in return for environmental enhancements to the land.
Helen Keep, senior farm conservation officer at the YDNPA, said: “We are here to help farmers and landowners, and at the meetings we hope to explain how people can take advantage of the changes to Countryside Stewardship.
“In each meeting, the farm team will inform people about the key changes to the scheme. We will provide an overview of the options available to upland farmers and will look at the process applicants need to go through to gain an agreement.
“The way the new Upland Offer has been put together should enhance the applicant’s chances of getting an agreement. There’s also been a reduction in the amount of evidence needed for the applications, as part of an overall cut in paperwork.
“Countryside Stewardship grants for woodland creation, woodland management and hedgerows and boundaries will also be covered, along with new legislation relating to water and air.”
To book a place at any of the venues please contact the farm team on 01756 751654 or email sally.howorth@yorkshiredales.org.uk
