Agriculture
Whilst farming has crafted the landscape of
the AONB, modern-day agricultural practices threaten its future. The AONB Management
Plan identifies the need for more sustainable agricultural land use. Initiatives
include encouragement for local grazing networks, promotion of local
produce and
guidelines for the use of redundant agricultural buildings.
The AONB also encourages take-up of schemes that exist to help and encourage farmers to farm for wildlife. The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will enable farmers to pursue a more environmental agenda, at the same time giving them flexibility to take advantage of market opportunities and consumer preference. For information on the reforms, see www.defra.gov.uk for farming in England, and www.countryside.wales.gov.uk for farming in Wales.
Subject
to European Commission approval, Environmental Stewardship (ES) will be launched
in 2005 to replace the existing agri-environment schemes. For details of the
new schemes use the links below.
