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A partnership supported by the Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) at the Community Foundation has seen over 2,000 trees and hundreds of metres of hedgerow planted to combat soil erosion and improve biodiversity on farmland bordering the River Tyne.
The grant was made to Cumbria based Farmer Network as part of the Community Foundation’s ongoing strategic approach to tacking and mitigating the effects of climate change on our region.
The Farmer Network received a grant to work in partnership with the Tyne Rivers Trust and local farmers to explore ways in which their combined experience and expertise could be used to stop land being lost to the river, contribute to natural flood management and improve biodiversity on farmland bordering the River Tyne.
The 12-month programme brought together two landowners and the skills of 37 volunteers to tackle the issues using green engineering techniques leading to the planting of 2050 trees and 315 metres of new hedgerow. The project also saw the installation of 25m of willow spiling bank protection and 40 metres of gaps plugged in old hedges. The work will enhance and connect wildlife corridors providing a vital habitat for a wide range of species. They also offer shade and shelter for livestock and aquatic species, promote good soil health, and contribute to natural flood management by helping slow the flow of water reducing flooding and reducing future land loss.
The project was also used to educate others with 18 participants given a site visit to Lipwood Farm to see the work and the creation of a ‘how to’ film. The film was shown at workshops with the new Northumberland Farmer Network, and at a presentation at Hexham Auctions.
Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Manager at the Community Foundation said
“This is a great example of how a relatively small award from LEAF can bring organisations together to have a much wider impact beyond what was originally envisioned. This partnership has flourished, and we hope as more farmers become aware of the opportunities available, they will engage with the wider sector to implement practical projects which will have a positive effect on their land, biodiversity and add protections for future generations. We were very pleased to see both Tyne Rivers Trust and the Farmer Network continuing to communicate the results of the project through other workshops, and to hear that the Farmer Network had been awarded funding from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund to develop the Farmer Network in Northumberland. ”
Veronica Waller at The Farmer Network said
“The grant for the project has been the first step for the new Northumberland Farmer Network to work jointly with Tyne Rivers Trust on a project working with farmers in the area. It has helped us to work in partnership and we hope to work together on similar future projects.”
The Community Foundation is taking an active approach to supporting projects which help to tackle climate change. Get in touch to discuss your proposals which would make the the North East a beacon of good practice in tackling climate change which will affect us all, and significantly impact those with fewer resources to deal with the impact of climate change.