Reaping the rewards of wildlife scheme (From Gazette & Herald)

Reaping the rewards of wildlife scheme

CARING for the environment is something that has been ingrained into Kirkbymoorside farmer David Cussons since he "came out of the cot" - but now he is being paid to do it.

He is one of more and more Ryedale farmers who are signing up to the Defra's new entry level scheme which rewards people for taking measures to protect wildlife and conserve the environment on their property.

The cereal and livestock farmer, who is also a Ryedale district councillor, said the scheme was something farmers could not afford to turn down in today's struggling rural industry.

"We are driven to it," Mr Cussons said. "We have to do it to get a bit of extra income."

Mr Cussons runs the 600-acre High Hagg farm just north of Kirkbymoorside - a long-established family farm which dates back to the 1700s.

It currently comprises of corn crops, sheep and pigs.

Mr Cussons signed up to the new Entry Level Scheme three months ago and said the extra income which it has provided was a welcome reward for good practice which comes naturally as a farmer.

"It's in us to look after wildlife," Mr Cussons said. "A lot of things we've been doing all our lives, really."

The Entry Level Scheme works on a point system. Farmers are given a target of 'points' which they earn by following various environmental practices on their property. In return, they receive £30 per hectare (or £12 per acre) a year.

Not everything about the scheme is easy, Mr Cussons admits. "One thing I don't like is leaving the hedges for two years before we cut them," he said.

"It leaves more feed on the hedges for birds, but the problem is when you've left them for two years, you do not cut away the thorns and prickles and these can get in the wheels of the tractors and in the feet of the animals."

Another of his requirements is to leave a margin of two metres around the boundaries of crops which provides good nesting for birds but cuts down the amount of space for crops.

"Before we would plough as near as we could to the edge of the boundary," he said.

But at the same time, he is now being paid for practices he was already doing, such as maintaining ditches around fields to drain water.

Mr Cussons said the benefits of joining up to the scheme should be starting to show very soon and would tell other farmers "it is well worth doing."

North Yorkshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group is holding a walk today (Wednesday) for farmers where they can learn more about the scheme. It takes place between 1pm and 4pm, at Stonebeck Gate Farm, Fryup, Whitby. Telephone Dorinda on (01609) 783632 to confirm attendance.

Updated: 12:27 Wednesday, October 19, 2005