Farm Management

The landscape of the National Park is a dynamic feature which has been shaped by many factors over time. One of these influences is that of agricultural activity which plays an important role in the management of our National Park. Here at Northumberland National Park Authority we aim to support the farmers within the Park in their vital role, helping to bridge the gap between production and conservation priorities.

The farming industry has, in recent years, been confronted with a number of difficulties, with headline-grabbing crises such as BSE, Foot-and-Mouth and poor incomes being only the tip of the iceberg. Our farmers have also had to cope with the strength of the pound, problems with export markets and not least the major reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. As a result of these and other factors, hill farming in our region is facing major change.

The Farming and Land Management team at Northumberland National Park Authority has a key role to play in supporting National Park farmers. We provide an advisory service, talking to farmers on a number of topics such as agri-environment policy, grant applications, farm diversification and rural resource development. We also facilitate Defra's England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) including Environmental Stewardship and the Rural Enterprise Scheme.

We manage agricultural land owned by Northumberland National Park Authority. The Farming and Land Management team also delivers the Drovers Project in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Countryside Agency, English Nature and the National Trust. This project is a conservation grazing initiative aiming to reintroduce grazing with traditional cattle onto sites of nature conservation importance, whilst also researching the culture and history associated with such cattle.

We work closely with other organisations and agencies, including:

• DEFRA
• DEFRA's Rural Development Service (RDS) (North East Region)
• Natural England
• English Nature
• The National Trust
• The Northumberland Wildlife Trust

We also work closely with the Natural Environment Team here at Northumberland National Park Authority, particularly when advising on agri-environment policy and helping to deliver the conservation purpose of the National Park.

A complementary service is provided by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)

Local Government Service List Number 746

North

Email: area.operations-north@nnpa.org.uk
Telephone: 01669 622079
Fax: 01434 611657

South

Email: area.operations-south@nnpa.org.uk
Telephone: 01434 611505
Fax: 01434 611658