Upland sheep farmers secure £1m to help improve traditional farming

Upland sheep farmers in the Black Mountains of Wales have successfully secured over £1m in funding to help sustain and improve the traditional practice in the area.

The Black Mountains Land Use Partnership has announced that it has been successful in securing a grant of £1,004,155.00 from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The sum is for its Sustainable Management Scheme project funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

The grant is hoped will promote continued improvement, restoration and sustainable management of the natural resources of the Black Mountains - an iconic expanse of upland common that spans Wales and England across the counties of Breconshire, Monmouthshire, and Herefordshire.

Viability and quality

Working together, farmers and organisations in the area aim to improve the viability and quality of the traditional farming practices that contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources.

Across the landscape of the Black Mountains these will include bracken management, heather regeneration, improvement of grazing land and the protection of peat resources.

Planned improvements to livestock access will help with stock management and also provide a better visitor experience of the area.

Local communities will be involved through developing a rural skills programme, engagement with schools and the creation of employment opportunities including two partnership ranger posts.

'Living and working'

National Sheep Association Chief Executive and Chairman of the Black Mountains Land Use Partnership - Phil Stocker commented: “The Black Mountains is a living and working landscape that is dependent on the viability of hundreds of private businesses working within, and reliant on, an environment and landscape that is sustainable, attractive, and delivering multiple economic, environmental and social outcomes.

“This grant will not only make a huge difference to the future of its rural communities but also to the people who visit the area. The learning gained through this work also has the potential to benefit many other communities in Wales and beyond and we are pleased and excited to now be able to start putting some of our plans into action.”