Farming & Landscape intertwined

Most of our treasured landscapes, for example downland and heather moorland, have come into being because they were farmed or managed in particular ways. So what might current changes in farming practices mean for the Peak District countryside?

Farming is currently going through immense changes, some brought about by long-standing calls by environmentalists to make farming more wildlife and landscape friendly. Very few now deny that for much of the twentieth century the push for production using financial subsidies from the UK government and the European Union has caused great damage to the countryside. In the uplands, such as the Peak, subsidies (based on numbers of animals grazed) turned many areas into wildlife deserts - boring, near-monocultures of common plants and animals.

The more recent agri-environment schemes now encourage conservation-friendly farming and much wildlife is returning. But the newest schemes introduced this year will now phase out all production subsidies and pay only for the area of land farmed plus additional monies for providing extra environmental benefits. This is called the Single Payment Scheme and farmers can also opt into higher 'tiers' of allowances called 'Environmental Stewardship'.

Sounds great in principle, but what will it really do for the countryside as a whole?

First of all the good news is that, if you join the scheme, respecting basic environmental principles becomes mandatory. Most farmers do this as a matter of good husbandry or have been encouraged in this direction in recent years. However, some new elements of protection are now offered, one of which - maintenance of dry stone walls - has particular significance in the Peak. Previously walls had no protection in law or policy, so this is a significant step forward - but only if it can be enforced.

The not so good news is that the changes may have unintended consequences. To begin with they could have a depressing effect on farming livelihoods in areas like the Peak District. The new SPS grants offer much more money to lowland farmers and therefore unfairly penalise many upland farmers. This has been highlighted recently by a stinging report by the National Trust, which suggests that many farm holdings, already on the edge of viability, will be pushed over the financial edge by the new scheme. This, the Trust warns, could have a severe impact on landscape, wildlife and public access in the near future.

Other problems could arise if farmers attempt to get around the rules. We already know of one case near Youlgreave in the White Peak where a concerned member of the public reported to Friends of the Peak District that a wall had been removed (presumably to enlarge a small field for ease of access and working). After investigation by the National Park Authority, it seems the wall was taken down just prior to the new regulations coming into force. This and similar local cases suggest a small but worrying trend of some farmers trying to circumvent the law before it bites. The case also exposed difficulties in the Single Payment Scheme complaints procedure, which are still unresolved. In the first instance however, the Park's Countryside and Economy Team will be happy to follow up queries.

It’s too early to be sure exactly how things will work out but Friends of the Peak District, together with others such as Friends of the Lake District, will monitor the situation and lobby to address any inequity.

Visit the CPRE National Office Debate

'2026 Vision - What future for the countryside?'

 

 

 

Support our 2008 campaign to abandon the Electronic ID tags for sheep and goats scheme

 

Buy local rather than imported food - Savour the Flavour of the Peak District!

Picture top left: Spring Lambs