Residents and visitors to The Elms Farm in Swaby near Alford will benefit from the new permissive footpath, put in place by keen walker and conservationist farmer Phil Gibson, with help from the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
The Elms Farm in Swaby, a small village in the nationally designated Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), first joined the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in 1991. Under this initial agreement the Gibsons introduced various measures to improve both the conservation value and public access to their land. With their new Countryside Stewardship Scheme they're hoping to strengthen access opportunities to the breathtakingly beautiful Swaby valley, where moths and butterflies flutter amongst patches of orchids.
Phil Gibson said:
"We've recently taken on our second Countryside Stewardship Scheme and are using the funding to extend access around the farm to give visitors and residents the opportunity to further enjoy the delights of our farm and see the full beauty of Swaby valley, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),
"People have so far been amazed by what our farm offers - we've even had somebody that's been so touched they've been moved to tears.
"Depending on your energy levels there's a choice of a short or long route, which will take you back in time past a colourful display of wildflowers. Also, you may well see signs of our local otter, badger and water vole populations. Indeed, if you're lucky you may catch a rare glimpse of our resident kingfishers. More commonly you may spot a barn owl, kestrel or sparrowhawk, all of which regularly fly the area. Stay until early evening and you may hear the distinctive call of the tawny owl or the haunting cry of our little owls.
"This is a very beautiful area and now is a great time of year for seeing the flowers in full bloom. As we are seeking to encourage various ground-nesting birds back to the farm we would be grateful if visitors would keep to the waymarked routes and keep their dogs on leads at all times."
John Richardson, Technical Adviser for Defra's Rural Development Service in the East Midlands, said:
"The area is beautiful and the views over the valley are spectacular. The Gibson's hard work and commitment has now given everybody the opportunity to enjoy this landscape to its full potential."
