New group wants nature friendly farming to be '˜mainstream'

As Environment Secretary Michael Gove set out more details on his vision for a “Green Brexit”, the Nature Friendly Farming Network vowed to give a political voice to landowners who are committed to managing the countryside to support wildlife.

The group of more than 100 farmers said post-Brexit agricultural policy should help all farmers produce safe, healthy food while helping soils, landscapes, rivers and wildlife recover and flourish, and that farm payments should be redirected to make this approach mainstream across the UK.

Yorkshire Dales farmer, Neil Heseltine, who farms in Malham, was involved in the network’s launch steering group.

Arable farmer and group chairman, Martin Lines, said: “Brexit presents a once in a generation opportunity to create a new farming policy that will help farms evolve and thrive, at the same time as restoring and protecting our natural heritage.

“We can use this opportunity to create a long-term, stable policy framework that will drive a mainstream shift towards a sustainable, productive, nature-friendly future for British farming as well as protecting the landscape across the UK.”

Marian Spain, chief executive of wildlife charity Plantlife, backed the creation of the network, saying: “All too often, farmers and conservationists are pitched against each other, apparently irreconcilable adversaries. This ‘farming versus environment’ narrative is holding wildlife-friendly back at a critical moment.

“As post-Brexit agricultural policy develops, we have the chance of a lifetime to reclaim the common ground - with a shared language and shared expertise.

“Through ever closer co-operation, we can deliver a bright future for farming that is truly sustainable - environmentally, economically and socially,” she said.