Latest news with #EnvironmentalFarmingScheme
Agriland
6 days ago
- General
- Agriland
Concerns grow over re-wilding impact on land value in parts of Northern Ireland
Concerns have been expressed that re-wilding could soon become a reality in many upland parts of Northern Ireland in the not-too-distant future, at the . Driving this process is the lack of succession currently taking place within the farming industry. James McHenry farms close to Glenariffe in north Co. Antrim. He has been a sheep farmer for many years and fears that his way of life could soon become a thing of the past. 'Young people, for the most part, do not see hill farming as an attractive career option,' he said. 'The next few years will see the current generation of farmers passing on. 'In many cases I can predict that the assets of these businesses with a meaningful value will be sold off and the land let go back to nature.' These are issues that have not gone unnoticed amongst policy staff members of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Northern Ireland. A heathland flower growing on the Garron Plateau in Co. Antrim They want to see meaningful supports made available to hill and upland farmers in recognition of the public good they can deliver in terms of peatland restoration and the encouragement of grazing systems that maximise biodiversity. These debates are taking place at a time when Northern Ireland's Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) is about to be replaced by new farm support measures. RSPB's Mark McCormick commented: 'Hill farmers must be allowed to invest in the future of their businesses. And this means allowing them to make sustainable incomes. 'The potential of these farm businesses to deliver for the public good is immense. And they must be supported accordingly by central government.' According to the RSPB representative, peatland management and the introduction of bespoke, conservation-friendly grazing systems are equally valuable within a hill farming scenario. He believes that hill farming must be made an attractive career option for young farmers. If this is not achieved then the momentum to maintain the conservation value associated with large swathes of Northern Ireland will be lost. Re-wilding bog walk RSPB Northern Ireland staff recently hosted a visit to the Garron Plateau area of Co. Antrim for members of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists. This area of outstanding natural beauty is home to a significant number of farmers currently accessing the support monies made available through the EFS. And they are deeply concerned that funding has been withdrawn from the scheme for new entrants while replacement measures are agreed.
Agriland
26-04-2025
- General
- Agriland
CAFRE to host dry stone walling courses in May
The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) will host a number of dry stone walling day courses at its Hill Farm Centre in Glenwherry, Ballymena, Co. Antrim throughout May. The training will be an introduction to single skinned dry stone walling for field boundary repairs and maintenance, CAFRE explained. The day courses will consist of a classroom session and an on-site practical exercise. The course will cover information on health and safety, types and styles of dry stone walls, site preparation, stone selection, and the skills required to construct and maintain dry stone walls. The training sessions, which are free of charge, will each take place over the course of one day, beginning at 10:00a.m. and finishing at approximately 3:00p.m. According to CAFRE, dry stone walls are integral to the fabric of the landscape and can last for many lifetimes if properly maintained. The iconic infrastructure was classified as a 'protected cultural heritage' by UNESCO in December 2024. Dry stone walls also reportedly provide excellent shelter and homes for a wide range of small mammals, birds, and insects, therefore their existence has additional biodiversity benefits. Examples of the walls can be found in the Mourne Mountains and the Glens of Antrim. CAFRE's biodiversity technologist, Niamh Woods said: 'The course will give participants the skills and knowledge to repair and maintain a single skinned dry stone wall to be stock-proof, maintain biosecurity with neighbouring farms and comply with agri-environment scheme agreements. 'Each course will take place for one day and will include a short theory session followed by an on-site practical and is open to all farmers, land managers, or enthusiasts.' This training event will be particularly beneficial for farmers and land managers who are completing dry stone walling as part of their Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) Agreement, CAFRE stated. Participants on the course are required to wear strong work gloves, steel toe capped boots, and warm outdoor clothing, and to bring a packed lunch and drinks. All other tools and safety equipment will be provided on the day, CAFRE maintained. The prospective training course dates are as follows: Wednesday, May 7; Thursday, May 8; Wednesday, May 21; Thursday, 22 May – which is now fully booked. CAFRE advised interested participants to register attendance on the college's website.
