Norfolk Broads Farming Cluster
About this cluster
Northern Broads Cluster Group
With ever increasing challenges related to farming , from climate change, biodiversity decline, loss of subsidies through to the vagaries of global commodity prices, the benefits of large scale cooperation amongst farmers have become apparent.
Reflecting on many successes of cluster groups around the country, 30 farmers and landowners from the Norfolk Broads with holdings covering over 12,000ha have come together to start their own journey of joint action through Derfa’s Facilitation Fund.
Through DEFRA’s Facilitation Fund Norfolk FWAG advisor, Marta Gibbons, will take up the role of facilitator, and support the farmers across four key areas.
- Net Zero
- Priority Species
- Increasing Biodiversity
- Water Management
Over the next three years of the fund, Marta will work with farmers to explore ways of making improvements and achieving individual and wide-scale benefits for farming businesses as well as the environment. This will include organising quarterly meetings and workshops, seeking external speakers/experts on subjects which the group would want to explore, and building business cases to attract funding for works.
The landscape of the Broads is varied and subject to serious changes over the next few decades as a result of sea level rise, hence the cluster has attracted a support from the Broads Authority, Natural England, Anglian Water, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Forestry Commission; working together collaboratively towards a better future for the region’s communities, habitats and wildlife.
Rewarding
Why join this Cluster Group?
Meet other local farmers and hear how they are operating in one of the most difficult areas to farm in the country
Hear from topical experts, sharing best practice on a variety of farm capital from woodland, to ponds, to soils
Access unique funding opportunities, coordinated by Norfolk FWAG, as they leverage landscape-scale funding streams
Visit other farms in the area and identify collaborative opportunities, such as equipment sharing
Share your challenges with others who understand
Testimonials
What people say about Norfolk FWAG
Contact Us
How to join a Cluster Group
The cluster is free to join, and there is no obligation on attending. If you are a farmer or landowner farming in the Broads catchment area and are interested in joining the cluster, please contact Marta Gibbons.
