Labour boost due to AE Schemes

As well as enhancing the countryside, agri-environment schemes have contributed to the local economy in many rural areas.  

Farmers in agri-environment schemes work hard to maintain and enhance their farms. However, there is a variety of tasks that often require help, and this creates work for people with the necessary skills, often other local farmers, or members of their families.

Many farmers have undertaken hedge restoration, and some do the work very successfully themselves. Others rely on local labour, with the appropriate skills and equipment. Around half a million metres of hedgerows are restored each year by farmers in agri-environment schemes. This requires hedge planting skills, hedge coppicing and laying skills and also fencing skills. This provides a real opportunity for enterprising individuals to meet the demand.

Hedge restoration has also boosted sales of native hedging plants such as hawthorn, hazel, holly and dog rose.  Sales of fencing materials have also increased, to create the fences that protect restored hedges, newly planted trees and other habitats.

Funding is available for scheme participants to carry out enhancement works.

Ian Semple is an agri-environment scheme participant in Dungiven. Using this funding he employed a local builder and welder, to restore traditional pillars and gates on his farm.  

Ian commented, The funding encouraged me to hire help to construct the traditional gates and pillars. I think these enhance the countryside in my local area”.   

For further information on agri-environment schemes, contact Countryside Management Branch at your local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development office.