Role of rural attractions in economy praised
Aug 13 2008 by Liz Hands, The Journal
POLICY makers have toured farms in County Durham to learn about the contribution made by agriculture to the region’s landscape and economy.
Natural England hosted the visits by One NorthEast chief executive Alan Clarke and regional director of the Government Office for the North East, Jonathan Blackie.
The tour included Daddry Shield in Weardale, where Natural England has helped land managers to protect the landscape, safeguard historic monuments and improve public access, and Broom House Farm near Durham to see the efforts of farming couple Mark and Jane Gray to generate business and tourism. For eight years, the farm has been in the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, run by Natural England, which has paid for the restoration of hay meadows, hedgerows, ponds and traditional dry stone walls.
The farm is fully organic and has recently expanded its coffee shop and opened a woodland adventure trail and play area.
As part of the CSS funding, the Grays have been able to welcome more families and children to the farm to learn about food and farming. Natural England regional director Martyn Howat said: “Farms play a vital role in maintaining the region’s wonderful landscape, which research shows brings huge economic benefits to the North East.”
Mr Clarke said: “The rural economy has a very important part to play in the wider growth of the North East’s economy and competitiveness.
“The farms we visited are fantastic examples of the innovation being shown by the sector to reach new customers and markets, while at the same time promoting and protecting our landscape.” Green farming schemes have now been running for 21 years in the North East. Agri-environment schemes work by providing Government-funded financial support to farmers to manage and conserve the land with a focus on creating habitats for wildlife, increasing access and caring for features such as stone walls and hedgerows.
Tyne and Wear has more than 54 agreements, covering 10,000 acres, in agri-environment schemes.
Northumberland has more than 1,000 agreements, covering 230,000 acres and Durham has 514 agreements, taking in 80,000 acres.
Tony Henderson
