PART THREE - How we are going to realise the Vision
This part is our Action Plan, structured according to the Vision’s four outcomes. We look at the issues being faced and then propose actions (table format).
As the Partnership’s Plan is a five year document, part of our Partnership Plan work in 2010 included compiling information and activity relevant at that time. We identified key topics and set out the facts and challenges, recent activity and successes, opportunities and identified key partners. This is important as it provides the context and background information needed at the outset of our five year Management Plan. However, the recognition and commitment from the Partnership to keep the ‘delivery elements’ of the Plan ‘live’ by reviewing the action plan each year, means that some of elements in this section of the Plan will become out of date or no longer relevant.
The annual review of actions 2011
As part of the annual review 2011, we have included those significant impacts, changes or updates as bullet points at the beginning of each topic section. The Partnership will have considered these during the review and in some instances one or more of these will have influenced actions.
The 2011 review identified that the ‘strategic activies’ included as part of Part three in the first published version of the Plan (2010) were an unnecessary layer. The Partnership believed they confused the link between action, delivery aim and the Vision so they have been removed accordingly. Therefore the actions (in table format) although still identified as being integral to the delivery of each Vision outcome are now also shown against the most relevant key delivery aims (see pages 18 -21). This is the ‘wish list’ of actions we want to deliver over the next two years. Some of these actions have been identified as priorities.
We do recognise that some actions will be relevant to more than one outcome and therefore several key delivery aims. However to avoid duplication we only record actions once under one delivery aim, using a ‘best fit’ approach. Links to other delivery aims are also recorded. In a few instances key delivery aims are not supported by any one specifc action, these key delivery aims are still included in the table and show links to other actions.
Should do’s and could do’s
As part of the 2011 review of the Plan, the Partnership prioritised their top three actions for each outcome. These are considered to be the ‘should do’s’ for the Partnership and are indicated by an asterisk by the action number. These actions will be monitored and reported on quarterly, to coincide with each meeting of the Partnership. All other actions are classed as ‘could do’s’ and are reported on every six months.
So, the actions include:
§ sub actions (component activities which collectively contribute to the action)
§ indicative date for completion
§ the lead organisation and partners
§ anticipated costs and funding (to help show what’s funded and what’s not)
§ other delivery aim links and
§ which distinctive area* the action activity covers
* The distinctive areas are those shown on page 8, developed as part of the Lake District National Park Local Development Framework
A flow diagram of how the Action Plan is structured is shown over the page.
4
4
Prosperous economy – Issues and actions
The prosperous economy features:
· Farming and forestry; and
· Employment and business.
3.1 Farming and forestry
3.1.1 Facts and challenges
· Protecting and enhancing the National Park cannot be done without farmers and land managers.
· In 2008, there were over 1200 active farms in the National Park. In Cumbria, agriculture (including forestry and fishing) directly employs around 13,000 people. Its indirect contribution to other sectors is higher, such as agricultural engineering, construction, transport, and food processing.
· Much of Cumbria’s agricultural land is designated as a Less Favoured Area (of which about 90 per cent is within the National Park) and is characterised by extensive beef and sheep production.
· Farming, forestry and land management have created many of the Lake District’s special qualities: the character of the cultural landscape and its biodiversity; farm woodlands and the open nature of the fells. Just over half of the National Park is registered as agricultural land in 2002 (Source: Defra Agricultural Census). But the structure of farming is changing and a range of global economic pressures makes income from farming unpredictable.
· The impact of farm payment reform and changes in the global economy mean we must identify changes quickly and effectively. We can then ensure appropriate action to support sustainable farming activity.
· Whilst farming experienced a marked recovery in 2009/10 farm incomes in Less Favoured Areas * remain low. Overall income for grazing livestock farms within the Less Favoured Area in 2008/09 was £17,100. Whilst there are some signs of recovery in the red meat sector at present, it is critical to recognise the potential, dramatic effect currency fluctuations can have on export trade and support payments. Currency trends have helped agriculture, making competing imports more expensive and increasing the value of support payments (made in Euros). However, this means that as sterling strengthens following recovery in the wider economy, farm incomes may drop again. There is further uncertainty as agricultural policy and support systems are set to change from 2013, with more debate on how Common Agricultural Policy reform should evolve. This is an issue that significantly impacts on farming structures and the ability to maintain appropriate land management. We might see ad-hoc farm restructure and farmers unable to maintain appropriate stocking levels, particularly on commons. This would have some negative effects.
[* In many areas across Europe, agricultural productivity is geographically and economically marginalised due to natural disadvantages. Such areas are defined as ‘Less Favoured Area’ (LFA).]
· A key issue in the immediate future is the fact that many Environmentally Sensitive Area agreements are coming to an end and there isn’t sufficient funding for all agreement holders to transfer to the Environmental Stewardship Scheme’s Higher Level Scheme (HLS) if they would like to do so. In addition, while there is merit for many farmers negotiating early entry into HLS, the Treasury is currently rejecting such opportunities due to the overall state of public sector funding. This means the environonmental impact, and the economic impact on the farming community, remains uncertain.
· There are also challenges from loss in biodiversity and water quality; for example, in the number of species rich hay meadows and associated species such as breeding wading birds; as a result of production led farming. There could also be a link between modernisation of farming practices and detraction of visitor experiences.
· Farming businesses need to adapt to climate change, in particular flooding and more extreme weather patterns that are sustainable for the future.
· Agriculture is characterised by an ageing workforce. Wages are low when compared to other industries. The problem is more acute in Less Favoured Areas and it is difficult to attract young people into the industry. A lack of housing availability and relatively low farm rents causing less incentive to leave, mean there is an intensification of barriers to new entrants.
· About 11 per cent of the National Park is woodland, a combination of ancient, natural and plantations. Managed woodlands have been part of the Cumbrian landscape for over 200 years and Grizedale and Whinlatter forests are some of our most popular tourist destinations. Traditional woodlands play an increasingly important role in sustaining livelihoods through coppicing, biofuel production and green woodworking. Forestry delivers multiple benefits from flood control, landscape enhancement as well as health, education and well being qualities. And much of the woodland in the National Park is an untapped economic resource.
· In 2005, 178,532ha of the National Park were within Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The key landscapes under agreement are:
o Heather and ‘white’ fell 91,741ha
o Woodland 2,458ha
o Meadowland 765ha
· There are currently more large and small farms than medium-sized farms, as farms amalgamate and farmhouses are sold on, often to second homeowners. The challenging landscape of the Lake District makes farming labour-intensive.
· An important part of farming is also the unique cultural heritage it has brought, and continues to bring, to the area including skills such as construction and repair of stone wall.
3.1.2 Activity and successes to 2010
Farming and forestry are major land uses across most of the area. Most public financial support is linked to environmental enhancement, delivered by farmers, foresters and land managers.At its peak, the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area, which started in 1993, covered 245,390 ha. Ten year management agreements, which end in 2013, have funded millions of pounds worth of projects including grazing reduction, commons management, restoration of farm buildings, hedgerows, stone walls and tree planting. The Environmental Stewardship Scheme replaced the ESA in 2005 and more than 42,718 ha are already in the scheme, with a further 103,064 ha in ESA (as of August 2010). There is also Rural Development Programme for England funding, through Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Area Group.
The Forestry Commission provides important data on the size, location and composition of woodlands that forms the foundation of much research. Statistical analysis and data management, surveying and computer modelling are crucial; they ensure our woodlands contribute effectively to climate change management, biodiversity, economic viability and social value.
We will measure the percentage of the National Park which is being managed in line with National Park objectives. This will show how well farmers and land managers are protecting and enhancing the special qualities of the National Park. It will also indicate the economic value of these schemes. This will help us understand the link with changes in land ownership, size of farms and availability of workers.
We will monitor the area of land within the Higher Level Scheme, Entry Level Scheme and Organic Entry Level Scheme, looking particularly at changes in environmentally sensitive farming and land management, the farming economy and the structure of farming.
Natural England has completed research into ecosystem services provided by land managers in the Lake District, showing how they are linked to future arguments about the economic benefits to the nation/region. For example, costing the value to the nation of the storage of carbon, the provision of clean drinking water and the value of access, recreation space and biodiversity. These issues have also been highlighted in the recent Commission for Rural Communities Uplands Inquiry Report (June 2010).
Successes to 2010 include:
· Environmental Land Management Service Pilot: a joint venture between the National Park Authority, Natural England and the National Trust. We have agreed Conservation Plans with farmers, leading to an additional £2.5m of grant funding to Lake District farms for environmental capital works. The SCaMP project and National Trust’s Whole Farm Planning scheme also provide support to farmers.
· Rural Development Programme for England: Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Action Group aims to draw down £8.1million up to 2013 to strengthen the upland economy, focussing in particular on improving the profitably of the farming and forestry sector and expansion of micro enterprises.
· Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency: Cumbria Farm Link. CFL advisers provide support to the England catchment sensitive farming delivery initiative by visiting farms in the priority catchment areas, highlighting issues and opportunities and delivery at farm demonstration events.
· The Sustainable Catchment Programme: (SCaMP)a United Utilities /RSPB partnership which is delivering landscape-scale change across 15,000 hectares of water catchments (Haweswater and Thirlmere) .
· The Lake District Osprey Project: a partnership between the Forestry Commission, the Lake District National Park Authority and the RSPB. The project attracts 100,000 visitors a year and has £2 million benefit to the local economy.
· Wood fuel - Cumbria Woodlands: a project which has delivered advice and support to over 30 farmers and woodland owners on the economic opportunities of woodfuel and advice and technical support to over 80 individuals, businesses and organisations on the opportunities of woodfuel energy. Cumbria now has 12 commercial wood-chip systems.
3.1.3 Opportunities
The strong link between farming, food production and tourism provide a value chain for farmers. Yet the opportunity need not be confined to markets in and around the Lake District, which are seasonal. Consumer interest in foods with provenance is growing. As a nationally recognised region the Lake District has the potential to export high quality food to national and international markets. This would continue a trend already started, for example, through Herdwick Direct and the sale of National Trust beef in local shops.
The Lake District features two world-class forests at Whinlatter and Grizedale. In addition to forest products they offer destinations for the arts and adventurous recreation. They provide visitors with walking, cycling and sculpture trails in a beautiful woodland setting.
There are also opportunities for making greater use of under managed woodlands and adding value to locally produced wood based products.
Maintaining traditional skills is important. They add local distinctiveness, provide links to our heritage and create jobs. Farming skills and associated tasks such as animal husbandry, dry stone walling, fencing, drainage and water courses are essential to this cultural landscape.
There needs to be a supply of local materials to support building traditions, for example from the protection of slate quarries and stone extraction.
There are opportunities to improve economic links to areas surrounding the National Park which does not constitute an economy in its own right. Cross boundary working is essential.
Above all, it is important to note that much of this plan can only be delivered if farmers and other land managers work from the foundation of a sound and viable business model. Innovative and progressive agriculture will be key to delivering all four outcomes of the Vision for the National Park.
3.1.4 Key partners
Farmers, National Farmers Union, National Trust, United Utilities, Country Land and Business Association, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, National Park Authority, Federation of Cumbrian Commoners, Royal Society for Protection of Birds, Cumbria Farmers Network, Action with Communities in Cumbria, North West Upland Farming Forum, the Herdwick Sheep Breeders’ Society and Cumbria Woodlands are all working to support farming and forestry.