Working in balance with nature, men and women can create a wonderful environment rich in plants, wildlife and heritage. It can create a partnership with nature that everyone can enjoy.
Farmers in recent years have been confronted with many difficulties including:
- Foot and mouth
- BSE
- Falling livestock prices and dairy incomes
- A strong pound
- And now,changes to the Common Agricultural Policy and European funding.
It all adds up to the biggest change farming has ever faced.
North Lincolnshire has an interesting farmland landscape. Of particular note is the Isle of Axholme strip farming system. This is the largest strip field system in the country and its history stretches back hundreds of years.
Farmers in the area have linked their work to stewardship or agri-environment schemes. And there have been many benefits in terms of conservation and public access.
The council has an active Environment team who are always pleased to discuss any proposals for conservation with landowners. The team are knowledgeable about a wide range of grants which may be applicable to proposals. Recent projects have resulted in:
- Extensive hedgerow planting
- Woodland planting
- Meadow creation
- Wetland creation
- Heathland creation
- Arable options for birds etc
For the council, conservation is a priority. For a farmer there are other things to worry about. But despite this apparent divide, the challenges facing the industry bring new opportunities to work together.
Contact information:
The Environment team
North Lincolnshire Council
Church Square House
PO Box 42
Scunthorpe
North Lincolnshire
DN15 6XQ
Tel: 01724 297387
More information:
For more information please visit the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group website.