An innovative new scheme will provide farmers working in National
Parks and National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty - AONBs) in Wales with practical assistance and
dedicated funding for projects that support nature to recover and
thrive.
The £1.8m Ffermio Bro: (Farming in Designated Landscapes) scheme
will encourage nature-friendly farming practices in collaboration
between farmers and local bodies responsible for areas of land
officially recognised and protected for their unique natural,
cultural, and scenic qualities.
It was formally launched this week by the Deputy First Minister
with responsibility for Rural Affairs, , during a visit to Upper Meend Farm in the Wye
Valley, where the tenants already work closely with the Wye
Valley National Landscape and conservation organisations to
manage the land as much for wildlife as for the livestock.
Speaking during his visit, the Deputy First Minister said: "Our
National Parks and National Landscapes are truly special and
unique. While our landscape bodies have a responsibility to look
after these precious areas, our farmers living and working in
them know them best.
“That's why Ffermio Bro has partnership working at its heart to
deliver bigger and better projects across our landscapes, because
a whole-Wales approach is needed to tackle the nature emergency.
This scheme will support farmers to work together, allowing
nature to thrive alongside the sustainable production of food
across our finest landscapes. Ffermio Bro will also help inform
the Collaborative Layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme to help
target collaborative funding in future.”
Ffermio Bro will support in the delivery of the Welsh
Government's commitment to protect 30% of land, freshwater and
seas for nature by 2030 (30by30) by funding a wide range of
collaborative projects such as:
• Planting of low-density woodland such as Ffridd
• Measures to improve rivers and wetlands
• Fencing and activities to facilitate grazing and improve upland
grasslands
• Creating hay meadows
• Reducing carbon emissions on farms
• Improving and promoting access routes and permissive paths
• Improving peatland
• Protecting traditional landscape features such as hedgerows,
stone and slate walls
The first projects are expected to begin this summer, with the
majority delivered between September 2025 and January 2026. As
well as enabling activity on farms, the funding will also support
a cohort of Ffermio Bro advisers, based within the Landscape
bodies. These advisers will work closely with farmers, helping
deliver successful collaborative projects and signposting them to
other support available.
The Deputy First Minister added: “We know which interventions
will benefit nature, but places like National Parks are also
about culture, traditions, and providing wonderful experiences
for the wider community.
“Repairing stone walls and slate fences, improving routes for
walkers and other users, and helping preserve historic features
on our farms will have a big impact – allowing local people and
visitors alike to take full advantage of discovering, enjoying
and understanding our incredible landscapes.”
