Reconnecting habitats through large-scale hedgerow creation are just one feature of this project supported by the Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
“It is important that we help make our landscape more resilient to climate change. The results from this work will add to the wildlife rich habitats already present on our farm..” - Daphne Jackson
This farming family have undertaken a number of FiPL projects, the first builds on works already undertaken via the Water Environment Grant scheme. This included the purchase of a sweeper bucket brush and loader bucket to help reduce pollutants entering the water catchment.
Improvements were also made to the farm’s boundaries including the planting of 474 metres of new hedges, which will help improve biodiversity, sequester carbon and provide shelter for livestock.
A solar-powered water pump, water tank and troughs are also to be installed. The aim is to pump water from Slidney Beck to the top of the field, excluding livestock from the beck. Alongside 628 metres of new fencing around the beck and the creation of a new track for livestock and machinery further away, substantial efforts will be made to improve water quality and reduce the amount of runoff entering the beck.
This area will also benefit from new public right of way access gates and electric fencing giving better and safer access for the public.
Management Plan
This projects supports the following management plan objectives:
Objective 4: Protect, restore and improve soils across the National Park.
Objective 5: Achieve good ecological status for all water bodies by 2027 and support the improvement of the marine and coastal habitat.
Objective 6: Create bigger, better and more joined-up habitats, with nature-rich wildlife corridors extending beyond the National Park boundaries.
Objective 7: Restore wilder and more naturally functioning ecosystems on at least 2,000 hectares in the National Park.