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FC Wales smooths passage to important woodland

With its fascinating historical features, enchanting scenery and strong links to the end of the last major ice age, i Parkwood on the Gower is a popular tourist location. Forestry Commission Wales has stepped in to ensure a smoother passage into this environmental jewel after the Welsh Government woodland became the victim of its own alluring beauty. The road allowing access to the site of special scientific interest (SSSI) was showing signs of serious wear and tear, with badly pot-holed areas testifying to Parkwood’s popularity.
 
Saffery Champness comment on CAP Reform announcement

Commenting on the announcement on CAP Reform by EU Farm Minister, Dacian Ciolos, Andrew Arnott, a partner of  Saffery Champness Landed Estates & Rural Business Group says: “There was not much in the announcement that had not already been leaked. However, it confirms the intention to distribute subsidies more evenly by way of a cap on payments to farmers at 300,000 euros (£261,240) per year.  A progressive levy, to be applied on all payments exceeding 150,000 euros (£130,620), was also announced as a proposal. Assuming that the proposals will be approved by both the EU parliament and all member states, this will be bad news for many large arable farmers and some medium scale farming businesses, including those in the uplands.It remains to be seen whether the ‘sustainable and inclusive growth’ for European agriculture can really be achieved through these proposals.  I think they could, as they stand, have the opposite effect, acting as a disincentive to invest for farm businesses that are highly-mechanised with lower staffing levels”.
 
Leaked proposals for the reform of CAP entitlements

News has recently been leaked from the European Commission that farmers who claim more than €150,000 from the direct support element of the CAP (Pillar1), will see their entitlement payments progressively capped.  Commenting on the leaked proposals Mike Harrison, a partner of Saffery Champness Landed Estates & Rural Business Group, says: “There is a strongly worded proposal for progressive cuts in the entitlement payments above €150,000 ( £127,000) with a cap of €300,000 (£255,000)”.   Whilst the new regulations will apparently incorporate an allowance which reflects the farm’s wages bill, which is welcome news and should mean that both larger and smaller farms are treated equally, there will be a discrimination for those using external contractors
 

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Home Innovations Kinder Scout a National Nature Reserve
Kinder Scout a National Nature Reserve PDF Print E-mail
Written by Alf Maxwell   
Tuesday, 13 October 2009 07:45

The mass trespass in 1932

The famous plateau of Kinder Scout – location of the famous 1932 Mass Trespass, the catalyst for the creation of our National Parks – has been officially declared a National Nature Reserve (NNR) by Natural England. Located in the heart of the Peak District, it is one of the most familiar landscapes in Britain.

Owned and managed by the National Trust, Kinder comprises around 700 hectares of various upland habitats, including blanket bog and sub-alpine dwarf shrub heath, and also supports several upland breeding birds, notably species of birds of prey and waders, curlew and ring ouzel. Going forward, assessments will be made of the potential to restore damaged habitat areas, including the regeneration of bog mosses, which are fundamental to the long-term process of peat creation and carbon storage. It now becomes the 223rd NNR in England and the 16th owned by the National Trust.

Poul Christensen, Acting Chair of Natural England, says: “National Nature Reserves are selected to build up a balanced network of the best examples of England’s natural heritage, of which Kinder Scout is definitely one. As one of the most famous upland sites in England it offers an excellent platform to promote engagement amongst the general public about the need to conserve and improve our upland habitats”.

The NNR declaration came on the same day that the life of Sir Martin Doughty - the father of modern nature conservation and founding Chair of Natural England - was celebrated with a series of events on and around Kinder Scout. Doughty died of cancer earlier this year and would have celebrated his 60th birthday on 11 October. An informal family day out was arranged by Natural England, the National Trust, Derbyshire County Council and the Peak District National Park Authority.

Speaking at the celebration, Christensen said: “Martin would have been delighted his beloved Kinder Scout has achieved NNR status. He worked tirelessly to improve access to our natural environment so everyone could enjoy it like he did”.

Mike Innerdale, the National Trust’s Peak District General Manager says: "Kinder Scout is an iconic part of the Peak District that is enjoyed by millions of visitors each year and The National Trust strongly supports the declaration of the site as a National Nature Reserve. Kinder is an area that provides a great opportunity for people to enjoy the countryside and experience nature, NNR status will help us to provide even more opportunities for visitors to discover this dramatic landscape."
 
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