By Deborah Deveney, HNV Campaign Leader
So much has happened since our first blog on High Nature Value (HNV) farming back in January, in particular over the past few weeks, there’s a lot to tell you about. Most importantly it’s great to see recognition for these extensive farming systems is beginning to grow – systems that produce good quality food, sustain wildlife, protect many of our special landscapes as well as delivering public goods.
State of Nature Report
The recent State of Nature report refers to farming systems that are ‘high value for nature’, emphasising the importance of those farmers across the UK who are managing their land with nature and support many priority species. This is often through agri-environment support and advice, without which the farmers, and the public goods they deliver, would both suffer. Funding for these schemes is under threat – and you can help fight that threat. Read on……
Coalition calls on Government to support
The State of Nature report was followed up earlier this week by a coalition of 18 farming, environmental and heritage organisations writing to Owen Paterson MP (Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Alun Davies AM (Minister for Natural Resources & Food in Wales), Richard Lochhead MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs & Environment in Scotland) and Michelle O’Neill MLA (Agricultural Minister for Northern Ireland). The coalition collectively warned these decision makers of the impending crisis facing wildlife, landscape and rural communities in HNV farming areas – urging them to find a way of improving the package of support these HNV farmers and crofters receive for managing these areas for the benefit of all.
The coalition includes a cross section of organisations: Scottish Crofters Federation; South West Uplands Federation; National Centre for the Uplands; Foundation for Common Land; Federation of Cumbria Commoners; National Parks England; The National Association for AONBs, RSPB; Buglife; Plantlife; European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism (EFNCP); Butterfly Conservation, The Wildlife Trusts, Ulster Wildlife Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, The National Trust for Scotland, The National Trust for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Archaeology Scotland. This broad range of organisations have come together to raise a voice for HNV farming, demonstrating just how important it is to so many strands of our society.
John Waldon, speaking for the South West Uplands Federation, talked about iconic landscapes. Julia Aglionby, Director of the National Centre for the Uplands flagged how bizarre it is that current support payments are inversely correlated with the benefits farmers provide to society. Patrick Krausse, Scottish Crofters talked about farming in these areas as the thread that holds together communities and maintains threatened wildlife. Everyone highlighted the impressive array of public benefits that could be lost if the farmers who provide the necessary management face ever-increasing costs and lower public support.
Around the UK
Momentum has been gathering pace with key events around the country too. And the RSPB has been fully involved in highlighting the benefits that HNV farmers – and the schemes that support them – bring to the environment and society.
Wales Environment Link (WEL) – Land Use & Biodiversity group held a joint workshop with the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) in Aberystwyth last week. RSPB Cymru, Rural Wales, CEH & IBERS gave thought and debate provoking presentations. The RSPB will also be at the Royal Welsh show in July where we are keen to develop these thoughts with Welsh farmers.
In Scotland, Rob Gibson (pictured above; MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross and Convenor of the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and the Environment Committee) hosted a HNV farming event at Scottish Parliament this week. Douglas Irvine from Shetland Isles, presented the economic and social impacts in the agricultural sector for the Highlands and Islands. He made a case to the Scottish Government, UK & EU for a more equitable system of support in Scotland, to reverse some of the trends happening now, such as whole scale abandonment of land and loss of full time agricultural workers and livestock from these areas.
If your farm is an important home for wildlife, why don't you write to Owen Patterson MP, Alun Davies AM, Richard Lochhead MSP or Michelle O’Neill MLA and let them know how important public support for environmentally friendly farmers is.