MORE than £2m could be pumped into the farming economy of North Yorkshire as a result of DEFRA's Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) in the county reports that 39 applications were submitted on behalf of farmers. The submitted projects include:
- 258 hectares (637 acres) of existing pasture and meadow managed to encourage wildflowers and benefit ground nesting birds, and 62 hectares (153 acres) of arable land converted to grassland managed for conservation.
- 229 hectares (566 acres) of arable land managed to benefit bird species including lapwing, tree sparrow, corn bunting and skylark, including over-winter stubbles, low-input spring cereals, wildlife seed mixtures and conservation headlands.
- 132km (82 miles) of two-metre wide grass margins and 103km (64 miles) of six-metre wide grass margins around arable fields to encourage species including barn owl and grey partridge.
- 35km (22 miles) of hedge restoration and new hedge planting.
- Creating 38 ponds and planting 2500 trees.
- Restoring nearly 7000m of drystone walls.
- Providing nearly 6000m of new public access.
- Managing nearly 27km (17 miles) of "buffer strips" in grassland alongside watercourses and other sensitive habitats to protect them from disturbance.
- Restoring three traditional orchards.
Updated: 10:01 Thursday, June 27, 2002
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