Settle to host farm advice meeting

Farmers in Craven are being invited to an evening meeting in Settle to hear the latest news and information on grants and stewardship schemes.

Farm conservation and woodland advisers from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will provide information on Countryside Stewardship Mid and Higher Tier applications; the Hedgerows and Boundaries scheme; and Water Capital and Woodland grants.

The meeting will be held at Settle Rugby Club on Monday 3rd February at 7.30pm, with a free supper included. 

Farm Conservation Adviser Jane Le Cocq said:  “Everyone is waiting to learn more about the government’s proposed new Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs), which will replace Countryside Stewardship by 2024 and be trialled nationally from October next year.  But it’s unlikely we’ll get any details on ELMs in the near future, so during the evening meeting we will be concentrating on the existing agri-environment scheme, Countryside Stewardship.    Ministers have confirmed that if farmers enter into a new Countryside Stewardship agreement this year, they will be able to exit it early, without penalty, to join ELMs when it comes along.

“Countryside Stewardship has been much improved over the past year and we think it offers some decent options for upland farmers.  The application window will open in February, and we are looking to offer support to applicants.”

For farmers who cannot make the Settle date, evening meetings are also being held in Sedbergh People’s Hall on Wednesday 5th February; Orton Market Hall on Monday 10th February; The Fountain Pub in Hawes on Thursday 13th February; and the Buck Hotel in Reeth on Thursday 20th February.  All meetings start at 7.30pm.

People wishing to attend are being asked to contact the farm conservation team on 01756 751654 or email sally.howorth@yorkshiredales.org.uk 

For more information, please call the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Media Officer Andrew Fagg (Mon, Tues and Fri) on 01969 652374 or Communications Manager Richard Payne on 01969 652394.

1.    The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of 15 National Parks in the UK. It is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which has two main purposes: “to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage” and “to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park”. In carrying out these purposes, the Authority has a duty “to seek to foster the economic and social well being of local communities”. The National Park Authority comprises 25 members, made up of county and district councillors and members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to represent parishes or in recognition of their specialist skills or knowledge.

2.    All of our work is guided by the vision for the future of the National Park set out in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan: “Through their passion for this special place, local people and businesses will keep the Yorkshire Dales National Park a thriving area. Its unique cultural landscape will be treasured for its stunning scenery, exceptional heritage and wonderful wildlife, and every year millions of people will be inspired to be a part of it.” www.yorkshiredalesmanagementplan.org.uk

3.    All Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority media releases can be viewed online by visiting www.yorkshiredales.org.uk