News from our partners: New landscape investment to deliver local benefits for climate, nature, people and place
News from our partners
A 3-year Defra funded programme for farmers and land managers in Protected Landscapes (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks) in England has been launched.
Here in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), over £700,000 is available to distribute this financial year to projects linked to farming that can demonstrate benefits to climate, nature, people and place.
Phil Holden, AONB Partnership Manager, explains:
“We are supporting farmers and land managers to apply for grants to carry out projects in the Shropshire Hills AONB that support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage, or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.”
The programme is open to farmers and land managers (including from the private, public and charity sector) with land within the Shropshire Hills AONB.
Protected Landscapes are living, working landscapes that also support a huge range of habitats and species, and they are enjoyed by millions of people every year.
James Williamson, Chair of the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership adds:
“Our Protected Landscapes are special and need to be managed, enhanced and protected while also supporting the farmers and communities who work within them and the wider local economy.
“This new programme of funding for one-off projects will enable us to work with farmers in the Shropshire Hills AONB to deliver bigger and better outcomes for the environment, for people and for the place.”
Farmers and land managers are being encouraged to look at project opportunities on their holdings and to get in touch with the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership to discuss them. Farming in Protected Landscapes Adviser, Alison Jones, will be able to offer advice, help with the development of projects and guide individuals through the application process.
Further information is available on the Shropshire Hills AONB website
To contact Alison Jones, people can email alison.m.jones@shropshire.gov.uk or telephone 01743 254745.
Further information
The Shropshire Hills is one of 39 designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. The Shropshire Hills AONB covers almost a quarter of Shropshire, extending from the Wrekin to the Clun Forest and from the Stiperstones across to the Clee Hills. It is a diverse and tranquil area, with rugged hills, rolling pastoral fields, woods and meadows, picturesque villages and historic buildings, hillforts and ancient monuments.
The designation is recognition of the national value of the Shropshire Hills landscape, and brings duties on local authorities to conserve and enhance its natural beauty. The Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership includes landowners, individuals, and representatives from organisations and local interest groups working together to conserve and enhance this special landscape, guided by a statutory Management Plan.
