The farmer as conservation manager - the National Trust experience.

摘要

Some 60% of the UK National Trust's land holding is farmed. There are over 1200 agricultural tenancies and 450 grazing licenses with over 600 farmers deriving their main income from farming National Trust land. The Trust's agricultural policy is tobalance its conservation responsibilities with the income-producing potential of the agricultural estate. Several examples are provided to illustrate how a balance between the farm business, good environmental practices and the enhancement of conservation interest can be achieved. This involves the preparation of farm plans and use of environmental incentive payments such as the Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) schemes. The examples show that farmers can respond to the challenge of becoming conservation managers as well as food producers. The response depends on a clear statement of conservation requirements, an explanation as to why they are necessary and a proper financial reward.