Shaping the Future of Farming to Grow Greener

Farmers and landowners are very much the custodians of the Cornwall AONB landscape, 75% of land in Cornwall is farmed.  Farming is changing over the next few years, with new national funding schemes that will reward farmers to tackle climate change, support wildlife, and boost animal health and welfare.  A group of farmers gathered recently to kickstart a local conversation on what that might look like for Cornwall, by helping to shape the scheme to support both farm businesses and nature.  The two ‘Growing Greener’ online events saw local farmers, landowners and land managers share their views on ways to confront climate change and support wildlife to thrive – from hedges and wild birds, to using soils and woodland to capture carbon.

Organised by Natural England, Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Cornwall Council; the event also saw representatives quizzed on how the new scheme might best support the rural economy and encourage more nature-friendly farming techniques.  Farmers and land managers can have their say through an online survey until 31 March 2021 via https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/have-your-say/survey_tools/farmer-survey and also register to hear about future events, and watch the previous events again at https://letstalk.cornwall.gov.uk/watch-online

Sustaining the Visitor Economy and Environment in Cornwall

If you live in or visit Cornwall and also enjoy nature, then please complete this short survey Nature in Cornwall.  This project is designed to support the development of a sustainable approach to the visitor economy in Cornwall. It has a particular focus on developing positive synergies between tourism and nature restoration and recovery in the region. It is funded by the Strategic Priorities Fund which is administered via the University of Exeter to invest in research that has a strategic importance to our region. The Cornwall AONB Unit have been in discussions about the project with our partners at the Environment & Sustainability Institute, Penryn, which involves the Local Enterprise Partnership (CIOSLEP), Cornwall Council and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.  Please contact Professor Jane Willis for any additional information about this project or the survey via esidirector@exeter.ac.uk

Karen Johns

Cornwall AONB Office & Finance Manager

Tel: 01872 322350 (please leave a message as AONB Unit team are working from home)

Email: karen.johns@cornwall.gov.uk