Norfolk FWAG: Practical Environmental and Conservation Advice for Farmers
Farming is currently undergoing the biggest transformation of recent years. The Norfolk FWAG advisory team are on hand to support farms to improve environmental and financial resilience.
One of the largest challenges facing farming is the loss of BPS. A more complex framework of government support for farming means that environmental land management advice is increasingly more important to the success and longevity of the farming business. Therefore, the importance of practical environmental and conservation advice cannot be understated.
Norfolk FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) is a charity and not-for-profit membership organisation that helps farmers and landowners to support conservation on farmland. With over 350 members across the county, the team of skilled, multi-disciplinary advisors provides free telephone advice, support on entering and managing environmental schemes, and information on the latest funding and opportunities available.
The organisation works closely with funding partners to break down the barriers to help farmers implement environmental improvements on farm. These funders include the likes of DEFRA, the Royal Countryside Fund, and the Broads Authority. Below are a few example of the opportunities available to members of Norfolk FWAG:
Making the Most of the Sustainable Farming Incentive:
Historically, Norfolk FWAG has been the ‘go-to’ for the entering and management of environmental schemes. The Sustainable Farming Incentive is no different. Schemes are produced that work for farmers, the farm business, and for wildlife. For farmers who are unsure of the next steps into SFI, or simply want another set of eyes on an application, join Norfolk FWAG for a morning or afternoon session which helps make the most of SFI. Both sessions take place on Wednesday 15th January.
Cluster Groups:
Norfolk FWAG is the proud facilitator of two cluster groups in Norfolk, which together, span over 30,000 hectares; the River Tud Farming Cluster, and Northern Broads Cluster Group. These groups encourage farmer-to-farmer learning, welcome guest speakers, and co-ordinate landscape scale change projects, including biodiversity surveys, flood management, and carbon analysis. Farmers and landowners local to these groups, and not yet involved, are encouraged and welcomed to join.
Exclusive Funded Opportunities:
Norfolk FWAG has agreed exclusive funded opportunities for members to support sustainable land-use change. These include woodland planting schemes, and a fully-funded pond restoration scheme.
As part of the Woodland Creator Accelerator Fund (WCAF), Norfolk FWAG’s team of experienced woodland advisors can design and complete applications for the planting of new woodland, typically funded through the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), or the Woodland Trust MoreWOODS scheme. Both are subject to eligibility. To understand how to access this support, join Norfolk FWAG for an exclusive webinar on Tuesday 14th January.
Norfolk FWAG are one of three Norfolk habitat delivery bodies (HDB) for the restoration and creation of ponds. The District Level Licensing (DLL) scheme will pay up to 100% funded pond restoration, subject to opportunities to support Great Crested Newts. Farmers can organise a free scoping visit to see if ponds are suitable for restoration. To learn more about the DLL scheme, and how farms can benefit, join an exclusive webinar on Thursday 16th January.
Biodiversity Surveys:
Did you know that Norfolk FWAG has in-house ecologists that can advise and survey for species of fauna and flora present on farm? Book a biodiversity survey today to begin to understand to what can be done to improve habitat conditions on farm.
Corporate Membership:
So, you’re not a farming business and you want to support Norfolk FWAG and the work the charity does? No problem. Corporate Membership allows organisations across the county to pay a small annual fee and be kept up to date with the latest environmental and agricultural news, as well as attend events, including the renowned summer farm walks, and the Norfolk Landscapes Conference & Exhibition; the first environmental land and coast conference in Norfolk.