Our collaboration with farmers and landowners is growing
Our Erme to Yealm Farmer Cluster got together this summer for a social barbecue at Mothecombe Stables. Some 32 farmers from across the catchment attended. It was a welcome opportunity to catch up, share experiences and look ahead to an exciting year now that funding has been secured for the cluster to continue.
The evening included an update from Sam Skellington from Life on the Edge, who provided an overview of the wider project and highlighted current opportunities through Higher Level Stewardship schemes. Sam outlined how the project is supporting nature recovery across the landscape and the opportunities available for farmers to become involved.
Robbie Phillips then explained how the Farmer Cluster will operate over the coming year. This will include one-to-one farm visits, support with Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications, farm assessments and practical advice to help farmers deliver environmental improvements alongside productive farming businesses.
Nature Recovery Fund – our application is in.
WATER also provided an update on our South West Water Nature Recovery Fund application. We have been working with farmers across the catchment to identify practical projects that improve water quality, biodiversity and farm resilience. Potential works include improved livestock infrastructure, fencing, alternative water supplies, wetland creation and other natural water management measures.
Our application was submitted in mid-July. The outcome is expected towards the end of the summer. We are working closely with Julia Bastone, who has been instrumental in the initial farm engagement and has helped us develop the bid. We hope to secure funding that will enable practical improvements across the catchment. This would further strengthen collaboration between local farmers.
Update on trials of species-rich seed mix
After the barbecue, the group visited a series of field trials investigating the most effective methods of reseeding permanent pasture with species-rich seed mixes to create more diverse and resilient grassland. The trials are being carried out across three farms within the Erme Farmer Cluster. Cluster facilitator, Robbie Phillips, led a discussion on the results so far. The visit prompted plenty of conversation, with farmers openly sharing what had worked well, what had been less successful, and the lessons they had learned from their own experiences.
An alliance of shared interests
WATER’s collaboration with farmers and landowners in the catchment is proving to be a very effective alliance of shared interests. A successful outcome to our Nature Recovery Fund application would enable us to put into practice many of the positive and sustainable interventions that have already been identified and supported by farmers.