Following the launch of the Farming in Protected Landscapes grant programme by the Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team in July 2021, a 2nd successful year has produced a series of 22 funded projects covering over 2,680 acres of farmland.
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.
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, as these plants will store atmospheric carbon as they grow.
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.
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 at Farming in Protected Landscapes – Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (wightaonb.org.uk)
Nurture nature and it in turn will nurture you. Can’t beat home grown veg so if you have a garden use it don’t abuse it and concrete it like so many do.
The biggest improvement that could happen to save the countryside would be to ban pesticides it would improve are health as well
Totally agree!
Such a shame farming in the world is coming to an end.
Look what is happening to Farmers in Holland.
In America Bill Gates is buying up majority of farms
(He will be alright for his steak)
Coming to UK soon
All part of the climate tosh
Fields will look lovely, as you walk through looking for bugs to eat, because, “hello, no farming no food”!