Farming for the Countryside and Environment

For many of us, the sights and sounds of the Northern Ireland countryside are unmistakeable. No matter where you are, the distinctive features of the landscape throughout the six counties are instantly recognisable as home.

But who looks after our land? Who works to enrich species diversity and maintain standards of water quality? Who manages heritage features to prevent damage?

The answer is … over 30,000 of our local farmers!

Changing times

Many generations of farmers have managed the land making a significant contribution to our heritage and economy. In recent years, the emphasis of agricultural policy has changed with a need to integrate production of wholesome food with responsible management of the countryside.

Now, all farmers must protect the environment and attain standards of animal health and welfare and public health in order to receive direct agricultural support.

Doing a little more

However Northern Ireland has over 10,000 farmers who have voluntarily agreed to go one step further and manage their land in a way that protects and enhances the countryside.

These farmers have signed up to one of the agri-environment schemes developed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). Over 30 percent of agricultural land is managed under scheme agreement, and it is anticipated that this figure will increase to over 45 percent by the end of 2006.

There are two main schemes that encourage farmers and landowners to manage land in environmentally friendly ways.

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme – for farmers with land within a designated ESA.
Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) – for farmers with land outside the ESA.

Facts and figures

The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) Scheme has been open for applications since 1988
There are five designated Environmentally Sensitive Areas

               Mournes and Slieve Croob
               Antrim Coast, Glens and Rathlin
               Slieve Gullion
               Sperrins
                West Fermanagh and Erne Lakeland

Crops covering 440 hectares have been planted to provide food for seed eating birds, such as the yellowhammer, over the winter.

Who benefits?

Farmers who are participating in these schemes receive an annual payment for managing their land within the terms of their agreement. The payment varies according to the farm size, the type of habitats and archaeological features on the farm. It can range from £20 to £540 per hectare. In addition to payments for participants, the returns for the environment are significant.

Positive management of field boundaries means attractive stonewalls and hedges for the passer-by to admire and appreciate. To the farmer, these boundaries are essential for stock control. However these also create habitats for wildlife and wildflowers, including many species that are declining in numbers.
All participants must prepare and implement a Farm Waste Management Plan with the aim of improving the quality of watercourses on the farm beyond a level required by current legislation.
Archaeological features are unique and irreplaceable. Many are vulnerable to farming practices, and by restricting damaging operations and implementing positive management practices, many sites on farmland are being preserved for future generations to enjoy.

In every county of Northern Ireland there are fine examples of the work that has been carried out under the Countryside Management Scheme and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme. Through these schemes, agriculture can make a significant contribution to biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of our unique and attractive countryside. For further information on agri-environment schemes, contact Countryside Management Branch at your local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development office.