Farming in a protected area Fraser Hugill

The North York Moors National Park

Background to “the moors” l Approx 1300 sq KM l Largest expanse of heather moorland in England l Managed landscape l Population approx 25,000 l Typically grazed by sheep on moors and sheep and cattle in dales l Dairy farming has almost disappeared from the upland areas of the National Park l Approx 1000 farms in the National Park l Very few traditional hay meadows

Raisdale – Valley in the North York Moors

Our family farm l 56 hectares upland grassland l 60 hectares lowland arable outside National Park (wheat, barley & beans) l 30 pedigree breeding cows females all go for breeding l Environmental agreement l Also work as Environmental consultant l No paid labour (dad helps still!)

Advantages of farming in protected area Landscape attracts visitors Landscape provides opportunities to diversify income Greater access to environmental grants Dedicated National Park staff to support farmers and help manage visitors and landscape

Disadvantages of farming in protected area Physical disadvantage of land Greater control on development to protect the landscape More visitors – how to capture the value of those visitors? Due to lower agricultural productivity farmers receive lower pillar one payments and also some lower environmental payments per hectare.

How are North York Moors Farmers adapting Taking advantage of the landscape and visitors Being rewarded by environmental grants Keeping less livestock but better quality Off farm employment Using their relatively small size as an advantage

Conclusions l Many of the challenges farmers face are similar l Family farms are surviving but are getting fewer in number l Each farmer has to consider what are his/her strengths and weaknesses l As society we need to consider what we want from land and the people who manage it

Thank You ?