News

MINISTER FOR COUNTRYSIDE VISITS CUMBRIAN MOORLAND

10th April 2000

The Moorland Association was showing off one of its largest heather regeneration projects today (10th April) to the Minister for Fisheries and the Countryside, Elliot Morley at Crosby Ravensworth – part of Lowther Estates. Funding, to the tune of one million pounds, from the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, Moorland Regeneration Project, Cumbria Farm Link and English Nature has pulled 23 farmers together to reduce grazing pressure on 2,220 hectares of common land. With grant aid from the Moorland Regeneration Project, a new keeper/warden has been appointed who will help protect wildlife, including birds such as golden plover, curlew, red grouse, lapwing, redshank and skylark, which are expected to populate the area as the heather becomes re-established through traditional moorland management techniques.

The area contained within this new agreement is already designated an SSSI and contains areas of limestone pavement and associated rare plants. In return for reducing the number of sheep grazing on the land, the farmers receive compensation for each ewe removed for the next 10 years. In addition 50% grant aid has been secured for ensuring dry stone walling surrounding the moor is stock proof which will reduce shepherding time and costs. Ponds and wet scrapes will be created to improve bird areas and sheep drinking holes.

Said Robert Benson, Committee Member for the Moorland Association and Lowther Estates Managing Trustee: “This is a partnership between all who have an interest in nature conservation and the regeneration of heather moorland, whilst at the same time, securing the viability of the hill farms with rights to graze on the common. The Moorland Association’s part in securing the agreement of so many different interests has been vital and provision of funding for a keeper is an essential ingredient which should help guarantee the success of the scheme.”

Said Des O’Hallaran, Cumbria Manager for English Nature: “We are delighted with the news about Crosby Ravensworth. It is absolutely vital that Government Agencies pull together to back initiatives that help keep wildlife-friendly farming going on the Cumbria hill-farms. English Nature will be happy to top-up agri-environment payments with wildlife enhancement schemes where there is an opportunity to secure yet further gains for wildlife. We are particularly keen to pursue such opportunities on further wildlife sites on Cumbria’s commons.”