Lake DistrictNational Park Partnership Agenda Item: 4a

28 February 2011Page 1

FARMING AND FORESTRY TASK FORCE

1Summary

1.1 This report briefs the Partnership on the first meeting of the Farming and Forestry Task Force, established in accordance with the Partnership’s Plan.

Recommendation that: / a. / The Lake DistrictNational Park Partnership :
  1. welcomes the establishment of the Farming and Forestry Task Force;
  2. endorses its terms of referenceas set out in Annex 1; and
  3. notes the outcomes of the first meeting and the proposed agenda for future meetings.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 In September 2010, the Lake District National Park Partnership approved its Partnership Plan. It includes an action (4.10) to establish a Farming and Forestry Task Force. Its purpose, scope and membership are set out in Annex 1.

.

2.2 We held the Task Force’s first meeting at Brockhole on 20 January, which 17 people attended (see Annex 2)

2.3 The meeting was welcomed unanimously, with a feeling that we could achieve more by working together that we could simply through bilateral contact. Everyone recognised the value created by an opportunity for direct dialogue with and between farmers and foresters.

2.4 Notable issues discussed included the imminent Ministerial announcement on a coherent upland farming strategy; the prospects of disposal of the public forest estate and a review of forestry regulations; and the transition from Environmentally Sensitive Area agreements to Upland Entry Level or Higher Level Stewardship schemes.

2.5 The Task Force agreed to meet three times a year, with additional meetings called as appropriate, including site visits where justified. Future agenda items will include Whole Valley Planning; Woodland Strategy, Review of the Common Agricultural Policy and the proposed Environment White Paper.

2.6The Task Force identified a number of other farmers and foresters and people in the supply chain who we should invite to join us at future meetings.

Author / Bob Cartwright Director of Park Services, Lake DistrictNational Park Authority
Date Written / 02 February 2011

Lake DistrictNational Park Partnership Agenda Item: 4a

28 February 2011Page 1

Annex 1

Lake District Farming and Forestry Task Force

Background

In September 2010, the Lake District National Park Partnership approved a Partnership Plan, which is the Management Plan for the National Park. It includes an objective to establish a Farming and Forestry Task Force.

Purpose of the Task Force

For key National Park Partnership partners to work with the farming and forestry industry to:

  • maximise the economic, social and environmental sustainability of farming, forestry and woodland management;
  • identify farming and forestry-related opportunities and resolve problems;

and

  • inform National Park policy development.

Scope of the Task Force

To consider all aspects of farming, forestry and woodland management but including:

  • Economic viability;
  • Planning and development;
  • Succession planning;
  • Farm and woodland diversification; and
  • Rights of way and access/ recreational management.

Membership

The Task Force is not intended to be exclusive but should comprise people considered leading thinkers and practitioners in the farming, forestry and woodland industries, who can help shape and influence future land management policies and practices in the Lake District.

Representatives of relevant organisations who will also be invited to meetings include:

  • Action for Cumbrian Communities (ACT)
  • CountryLand and BusinessAssociation
  • Cumbria Commoners’ Federation
  • Cumbria Farmers Network
  • Cumbria Woodlands
  • Forestry Commission
  • Hill Farming Gathering
  • National Farmers’ Union
  • National Park Authority
  • National Trust
  • Natural England

Annex 2

Farming & Forestry Task Force – 20 January 2011

Attending:

Will Barden W Barden Biomass

Ken Bell Loweswater Care Project

Bob CartwrightLDNPA

Douglas Chalmers CBLA

Will Cockbain NFU

John Geldard Low Foulshaw Farm

John Hayton LDNPA

Andrew HerbertLDNPA

Sam Hodgson Glencoyne Farm

Dan Hunt Natural England

Peter Irving Hutton Roof Sawmills

Terry McCormick ACT

Edward Mills Cumbria Woodlands

Graeme Prest Forestry Commission

Steve Ratcliffe LDNPA

Will Rawling Cumbria Farmers Network

Carl Walters Cumbria Farmers Network

Apologies:

Helen Forrester NFU

Tony Hackney BSW Timber

Fiona Mahon National Trust

Joe RelphYew Tree Farm, Borrowdale

Also invited:

K Pears Caldbeck Commoners

A representativeIggesund