Programme Design and Delivery
Usk to Wye Campaign – Project Development
Woodland Trust, 2009 ongoing
The Usk to Wye Campaign aims to develop a landscape-scale habitat network for Monmouthshire. The vision is a landscape within which people can live and work whilst other species adapt to survive climate change. The campaign will take action for biodiversity by increasing the area of semi natural habitat across the county and take a "hearts and minds" approach to conservation – helping to ensure that the local population feels a closer connection to the natural world. We are working as part of a team to expand the current partnership, produce a business plan for the campaign and contribute to the development of applications for funding.
Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marsh Project
Lincolnshire County Council and Landscape Partnership, 2009 ongoing
Project Monitor acting on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund on the LCGM Landscape Partnership project. The role involves support of the development of community linkage and a dedicated project grant scheme.
Provision of Cost Information relating to Capital Works Grant Aided under Defra’s Agri Environment Programme
Defra, 2009
The aim of this research was to supply cost data for over 100 capital items as part of the baseline for the proposed review of payment rates under Environmental Stewardship and other ‘classic’ agri-environment schemes. The data will be used by Defra and Natural England to calculate the typical cost of undertaking a range of capital works and consequently derive payment rates for capital works. The items covered included fencing and walling materials, building materials, planting materials, machine hire and contractor costs.
Area Schemes and Landscape Partnerships: Assembly of Output Data
Heritage Lottery Fund, 2008-9
This project continued work first undertaken for the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 2006. It involved the updating of output data for 14 Area Schemes and 16 Landscape Partnership Schemes funded by HLF around the UK. A monitoring and reporting system was developed to provide baseline information and subsequent annual reports. Output data covered biodiversity, landscape, built heritage, culture, education, visitors, volunteers, employment and training. The unique benefits of a landscape-scale approach were also captured. The findings will contribute to the overall evaluation of the HLF’s Landscape Partnership Programme.
Woolhope Dome to Malvern Hills Landscape Link – Project Development
Herefordshire Nature Trust, 2008 ongoing
The aim of this innovative project is develop a broad wildlife corridor between Woolhope Dome (a Biodiversity Enhancement Area on the edge of the Wye Valley AONB) and the Malvern Hills AONB. The aim is to join prime habitat areas, allowing species to move and spread. The project will benefit both the local environment and the local economy in this part of Herefordshire, environmentally friendly enterprises will be supported. Our work involves scoping the key project elements, developing a project outline and description, consultation and making applications for funding.
Evaluation of the Rural Target Fund and Rural Enabling Body in South Yorkshire
Yorikshire Rural Community Council, 2008
The Rural Target Fund was an Objective 1 funded programme supporting rural communities in 50 priority parishes in South Yorkshire. It was delivered by YRCC acting as the Rural Enabling Body. Our evaluation assessed programme activities such as community consultation and planning and the development and delivery of projects. The economic and social impacts of the programme were also assessed including its contribution to the recovery of the area. Our work involved a postal survey, interviews, case studies and the production of a DVD highlighting the programme’s achievements.
Regional Dairy Collect Scheme
Cornwall Enterprise, 2008
Following the evaluation of the Dairy Collect Scheme in Cornwall, this project considered the potential for rolling out the scheme across South West England. Regional data on dairy farming, milk production and processing was collated to assess potential economic, environmental and social benefits of a Regional Dairy Collect Scheme. A concept paper was produced to inform a submission for funding from RDPE and other sources.
Evaluation of the Rural Business Growth Programme in South Yorkshire
Business Link South Yorkshire, 2008
The Rural Business Growth Programme was an Objective 1 funded programme targeting farming, food and tourism businesses in South Yorkshire. Our evaluation assessed the delivery, impact and additionality of the programme in order to establish its effectiveness and value for money and identify the lessons learnt. The evaluation involved an economic impact analysis, a survey of beneficiaries and the development of a number of case studies. Our report can be viewed at http://www.goyh.gov.uk/497763/docs/199734/199789/355622/533376/533465/670701.
Evaluation of the Dairy Collect Scheme in Cornwall
Cornwall Enterprise, 2008
The Dairy Collect Scheme was an Objective 1 funded programme supporting infrastructure improvements on Cornish dairy farms linked to the rationalisation of milk collection and transport. Our evaluation assessed the scheme’s effectiveness in terms of sustaining the dairy industry in Cornwall and improving its long term competitiveness. We also appraised the scheme’s outputs, business impacts and client satisfaction. Our work involved two postal surveys, a programme of interviews and economic analysis.
Extensive Grazing Enhancement Pilot Project
Natural England and South West Regional Development Agency, 2007
This project aimed to develop and pilot a new grazing enhancement package of measures for extensive suckler cow grazing in the South West of England. It involved a review of current physical and financial data, designing a new package of measures to secure relevant economic, environmental and social benefits in the context of existing policy and legislation, and testing these on a number of pilot farms in the region. Individual farm plans were developed for subsequent implementation through management agreements. The findings are being used to inform the development of future policies and schemes.
Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project: Phase Three – Project Development
Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marsh Project Partnership, with CCRU, 2006-2007
Following on earlier research into funding sources to complement HLS, this project involved the development of a business plan to take forward the vision for the Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes, and the preparation and submission of (successful) applications for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to support a project officer and provide grants for necessary environmental improvement works.
Rebuilding Biodiversity Project in Dorset – Conservation Grazing Feasibility Study
Dorset Wildlife Trust, 2006
This project identified how the Dorset Wildlife Trust in partnership with farms local to the area could maintain and enhance the conservation value of Kingcombe Meadows Nature Reserve and other wildlife sites in West Dorset whilst increasing the sustainability of livestock farming. The project reviewed agriculture, land use and environmental data and illustrated how far future policy, legislation, market drivers and delivery mechanisms will go towards delivery of objectives. It considered the value of developing a branding and/or marketing scheme and reviewed alternative delivery mechanisms. A farmer survey was undertaken and recommendations and prioritised steps for a Grazing Project were developed.
New England Rural Development Programme – Implications for the South West
Government Office for the South West, with CCRU, 2006
This study examined the current ERDP and the changing context in which it has been operating. It then considered the likely scale and pattern of the new programme in the South West region. Key opportunities and challenges were identified and key themes suggested for the way ahead in order to develop a successful programme for the region for 2007-2013. The study contributed to the region’s response to Defra’s consultation on the new ERDP.
Evaluation of the Farm Environment Link Project
Cornwall FWAG, 2006-7
The Farm Environment Link Project was an Objective 1 funded project aimed at enhancing the economic sustainability of Cornish agricultural holdings by advising on the economic opportunities achievable through environmental measures. This study evaluated the impact of the project in order to assess its effectiveness and provide recommendations. The work involved a telephone questionnaire of 60 participants, a number of site visits and interviews with project staff, partners and other stakeholders.
A Review of HLF Area Schemes and Landscape Partnership Schemes, Baseline Data Collection and Preliminary Evaluation
Heritage Lottery Fund, 2006
This study collated data on 14 Area Schemes and 30 Landscape Partnership Schemes funded by HLF around the UK. An initial evaluation of completed and delivering schemes was undertaken to ascertain the extent and impact of HLF funding and to gain a better understanding of the activities and breadth of heritage being supported. The work involved a review of documents relating to all schemes, web searches, workshop sessions and personal contact with representatives of every scheme to validate data collated. The preliminary evaluation concluded that, by the end of the schemes reviewed, there will have been significant quantifiable outputs in landscapes and habitats, local tradition and culture, historic buildings and archaeology, access, public participation and employment and training. Furthermore strong partnerships will have been created, communities involved and public policy objectives supported.
Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marshes Project: Phase Two – Top-up Funding
Lincolnshire Coastal Grazing Marsh Project Partnership, with CCRU, 2005
This project identified possible sources of funding to be used to complement HLS funding to encourage farmers to convert arable land to grassland, maintain existing pasture and meadow, and raise water levels. The project involved assessing flexibility within the HLS scheme for complementary funding, developing a funding package and outlining appropriate delivery mechanisms.
Review of Management of Special Sites Scheme
Environment and Heritage Service, 2005
A comparative assessment and analysis of the relevant designated sites schemes operated by English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Countryside Council for Wales, including Northern Ireland’s Management of Special Sites Scheme (MOSS). The study analysed the different approaches used and made links between these and desired outcomes. Options for developing/changing MOSS to improve its ability as a tool to promote conservation were generated.
Grazing Futures Study – Somerset Levels and Moors
Levels and Moors Partnership and Rural Environment Facilitation Service, 2005
The aim of this study was to analyse livestock farming on the central part of the Somerset Levels and Moors in order to inform future approaches to the management of environmental and socio-economic assets. The study included extensive consultation with farmers and environmental bodies as well as rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Farming Connect: Environmental Strategy
Welsh Development Agency, 2004
Farming Connect helps farming families in Wales develop a sustainable and successful future for their businesses. This study explored how the environmental messages from the recently produced Farming Connect Environmental Strategy should best be delivered to these families.
Field Development of Grant Aid Proposals for the Control of Diffuse Agricultural Pollution
English Nature and Environment Agency, with ADAS and IEEP, 2003
The project aimed to develop a detailed grant aid structure to help reduce diffuse agricultural pollution. It included an economic assessment of the costs of recommended measures on 21 case study farms to inform the development of potential payment levels, advised on linkages with current and proposed agri-environment schemes and the likely costs of scheme implementation.
Cotswold Farming Study
Cotswold AONB Partnership, 2003
This study explored the current state of farming in the Cotswolds, identifying specific opportunities and threats, in order to inform the development of a new AONB Management Plan. The work involved a literature and policy review, agricultural statistical analysis and economic modelling, farmer meetings and interviews, a public sector workshop and recommendations for policies and actions.
West Sussex Farm Diversification
West Sussex County Council, 2003
A study into recent practice, current issues, future trends and required support structures for farm diversification in West Sussex. The project was part of the West Sussex County Council Rural Recovery Plan and helped inform the preparation of future policy and activities.
Farms For Schools Accreditation Scheme
The Countryside Agency, 2003
A scoping study investigating the potential for an accreditation scheme for farms hosting educational visits. Recommendations were made for the development of the scheme as part of a programme concerning educational access to the countryside. The project included an analysis of existing inspection systems and legislation and surveys of teacher/school and member farm requirements. A successful VTS application for the farmer training aspects of scheme was subsequently submitted.
Evaluation of the High Weald Integrated Farm Appraisal Programme
Countryside Agency, 2003
An evaluation of the Integrated Farm Appraisal programme forming part of the High Weald Land Management Initiative. This project evaluated the economic, environmental and social benefits delivered, on individual holdings and within the wider High Weald AONB area, as a result of the Integrated Farm Advice programme.
Socio-Economic Analysis of Suffolk Coast and Heaths Natural Area
English Nature, 2002
This Lifescapes project developed a socio-economic profile of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Natural Area and evaluated the opportunities and constraints provided by the key socio-economic sectors in the area for the delivery of Biodiversity Action Plan targets.
A Sustainable Future for Agriculture in the Wider Rural Economy of Wiltshire
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and others, 2002
This study assessed the state of farming in the county and its contribution to the local economy. Options for developing a more sustainable future for agriculture locally were also generated. This study was carried out as part of the INTER initiative.
Extensification of Moorland Sheep Grazing
English Nature and RSPB, 2002
This research assessed three options for removing and compensating grazing rights from moorland. Our work involved micro-economic modelling and examined different upland areas in England. It contributed to the development of English Nature’s Sheep Wildlife Enhancement Scheme.
Wildlife Enhancement Scheme: Review of National Menu of Standard Payments
English Nature, 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2006
Production of new menus of payments for English Nature’s Wildlife Enhancement Scheme which supports the positive management of SSSIs. Annual payments were based on a detailed analysis of agricultural income foregone and the cost of additional management by habitat. Capital payments were based on a database of conservation costings. Advice on valuing local schemes and additional supplements was provided to Area Teams on a call-off basis.
