The Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) proudly announces the launch of the “Farmer-led Nature Recovery Initiative,” a farm cluster project aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture and ecological resilience across the Chew Valley and Cam & Wellow catchments.
This ambitious initiative brings together farmers, landowners, and community stakeholders in a collaborative effort to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and promote sustainable farming practices in these vital landscapes.
Key Highlights:
- Farmer-Led Collaboration: The initiative establishes farmer-led clusters in the Chew Valley and Cam & Wellow catchments, providing a platform for farmers to work together and with partners like BART to tackle environmental challenges at a catchment scale.
- Capital Grant Fund: A specially administered grant fund will be available to cluster members, supporting quick-win interventions that boost nature recovery and promote sustainable land management.
- Biodiversity and Sustainability: Through this project, participating farms will implement nature-friendly practices such as habitat restoration, soil conservation, and water management, contributing to a healthier and more resilient ecosystem.
- Community Engagement: The clusters will serve as hubs for knowledge exchange and innovation, fostering a sense of community and stewardship among local farmers and residents.
Melissa Hoskings, Head of Operations of BART, emphasised the initiative’s importance, stating, “This project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to restore and protect the natural environment in the Chew Valley and Cam & Wellow catchments. By empowering local farmers and encouraging collaborative action, we can achieve meaningful and lasting improvements for the farmed landscape.”
Selena Gray, Independent Chair of the Chew Valley Partnership stated, “Three quarters of land is used for agriculture. Supporting our farmers to produce food whilst minimising the impact on our rivers and environment is of critical importance. This project will provide a novel and exciting structure to bring farmers together to share experience and work together to restore our rivers to good health and help insect and bird life in this beautiful area.”
The project is expected to yield numerous benefits, including increased biodiversity, improved soil health, and enhanced resilience to climate change. Additionally, it aims to create new economic opportunities for farmers through sustainable agriculture and nature-friendly practices.
BART invites all interested farmers, landowners, and community members to join this transformative journey. Together, we can build a sustainable future where agriculture and nature thrive in harmony.
The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is supporting the initiative with direct and capital funding. Over £200,000 will be used to support BART directly with a further £360,000 in capital grant funding available in for farm cluster groups.
Local initiatives across the region are crucial to protecting and restoring nature across the West of England region. Without nature recovery, net zero cannot be achieved and working with farmers is a key step towards realising these ambitions.
For more information on the Farmer-led Nature Recovery Initiative and how to get involved, please contact BART via info@bristolavonriverstrust.org
