Local authority representatives and countryside advisers are to tour a family farm in the famous Hampshire village of Selborne.
Hampshire NFU chairman David Ashcroft is to host a visit of the Committee for Rural Hampshire* on his farm on Monday June 21, 2004.
David farms with his son Richard and wife Charlotte at Oaktree Farm, in the picturesque village of Selborne, home of the acclaimed 18th century clergyman and naturalist, Gilbert White.
The family grows cereals and has a pedigree herd of South Devon beef cattle, the Chavid Herd. Richard Ashcroft takes great pride in training and showing them. The Ashcrofts are also hoping to sell meat direct to consumers from the farm.
David Ashcroft said: “We’re pleased to be able to set out the challenges facing farmers, particularly in the light of Common Agricultural Policy reforms which will take effect from 2005. Many farmers are looking at how they can maximise their incomes and there is a real need for local authority planners to be sympathetic to farmers who are diversifying, perhaps by converting redundant buildings to alternative uses.”
“I shall highlight the invaluable role that farmers play in caring for 75 per cent of land in the county, showing how positive land management can benefit wildlife,” added Mr Ashcroft.
Wildlife conservation is at the heart of much decision-making on the farm, which is within the East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Among the Committee members expected to visit next week will be planners, an AONB officer, representatives of CPRE and advisers from the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG).
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The Secretary of the Committee for Rural Hampshire, Rosalind Rutt, said: “We really welcome the opportunity for the Committee to learn more about the issues facing farmers in Hampshire. Following the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, support for food production is being switched towards support for environmental measures.
“Farmers now need to look hard at how to make businesses profitable, against this changing economic climate and in the face of EU enlargement. They also need to take advantage of incentives for management that are geared to landscape enhancement and conservation. They will inevitably consider a greater range of activities on farms to secure stability for farm incomes and investment,” she added.
The Ashcroft family will show visitors how grazing stock help to manage pastures. Land is cared for with the help of grants under the Government’s Countryside Stewardship scheme and the farm has a Site of Special Scientific Interest - a semi-natural ancient woodland that is home to dormice.
Coppice woodland has been restored and Richard Ashcroft has planted many native trees and new hedges. Birdlife include skylarks, woodcock, linnets, grey partridge and birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, kestrels, buzzards and owls.
There will, of course, be discussions about more problematic issues such as the disposal or re-use of farm wastes and unscrupulous off-roaders whose four wheel drive vehicles have damaged an historic byway.
