to be launched in association with Environment Agency

The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group in partnership with the Environment Agency will launch its new catchment initiative in the River Leven at a farm event at Dromonby Farm in Kirkby in Cleveland on Tuesday 8^th December.  Farmers are invited to attend this event where they will learn about a new project offering FREE advice to farmers on soil management and agri-environment schemes coupled with a capital grant scheme.

During the event, farmers will hear about the grants that will be on offer to contribute towards the cost of capital works such as fencing, providing drinking troughs, hard standings for ring feeders and other infrastructure.  Increased sediment levels in the river have been identified as the key factor that has reduced the quality of the salmonid fishery along the river.  Farming practice on arable fields and pasture is a contributory factor to the problem because of the nature of the soils in the area which easily erode and then wash into the river.

FWAG will be offering advice to farmers in the catchment about the management of riparian habitats along the Leven and can also help farmers to complete applications for the Entry Level Scheme.  They will give guidance on updating Soil Protection Reviews and other soil management issues. 

FWAG is also keen to encourage farmers in the catchment to get involved in the Campaign for the Farmed Environment.  Led by the NFU and the CLA, this initiative aims to engage farmers in voluntary habitat management on arable land to secure environmental benefits to compensate for the loss of habitat following the abolition of set-aside.  At the event, Laurie Norris of the NFU will explain to farmers how they can get involved and help the agricultural industry reach the targets set down in the Campaign commitment, and local farmer Robert Campbell MBE will give a farmers perspective on environmentally friendly farming.

Jackie Hamer, Senior Environment Officer with the Environment Agency commented:

 ‘The River Leven catchment encompasses the upland farms in the Cleveland Hills, large arable farms on the river plain and intensive dairy farms. The problem of soil erosion leading to increased sedimentation in the river is endemic to the entire catchment.  This project will address these issues by providing practical advice to farmers and giving them the tools to help them make a difference on their farm'.

Phil Lyth, Farm Conservation Adviser with FWAG added:

‘FWAG is delighted to be working in partnership with the Environment Agency to help to improve the trout and grayling populations in this river.  We recognize that farmers want to do the best they can to enhance their local environment and the advice we will be offering, together with a targeted capital grants scheme, will enable them to put this into action.'

For more information about the event on 8^th December in Kirkby in Cleveland, call the FWAG office on (01845) 525950 or e-mail phil.lyth@fwag.org.uk