Training and Knowledge Transfer
Environmental Cost Benefit Datasheets
Countryside Council for Wales, with FWAG Cymru, 2009-10
Following earlier work in 2006, this project involved the updating of a series of eight datasheets highlighting the financial benefits associated with the adoption of good environmental practices on farms in Wales. These datasheets, together with detailed costings, will be made available to advisors and farmers through the Farming Connect initiative. Advisor training was provided and two case studies have been produced for GWLAD magazine.
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Fact Sheet
Cotswolds Conservation Board, 2009
Building on the success of four Entry Level Stewardship factsheets produced in 2005, this work involved the development of a Higher Level Stewardship factsheet for the Cotswolds AONB. The factsheet aims to increase farmer awareness of the availability of HLS in the AONB; guide farmers on HLS options which are likely to be most suitable in the AONB; demonstrate the financial and other benefits of HLS; signpost farmers to sources of further information and advice; and ultimately increase uptake of HLS across the AONB. Download a copy of the HLS Fact Sheet from the Cotswold AONB website.
Grazing Animal Enterprise Calculator
Grazing Animals Project, 2008
This project involved the development, testing and launch of a user friendly costing tool for those involved in managing conservation sites with grazing animals. The bespoke calculator allows users to build and analyse gross margins and fixed costs for sheep, cattle and other enterprises and develop 10 year capital budget and profit and loss figures. The tool will help decision making and financial management.
Rural Environment Platform: Background Papers and Conference Participation
Rural European Platform, 2006 ongoing
The Rural European Platform is a cutting edge initiative focused on creating sustainable rural development through an optimal combination of public policy and private entrepreneurship. It involves professionals from agriculture, politics, business, science and nature conservation across Europe. Our work has involved the preparation of background papers and conference participation in Poland (2006), Netherlands (2007) and Portugal (2008). For more information see: http://www.ruraleuropeanplatform.org/index.htm.
Agricultural Economics Consultancy Phase 2
South Downs Joint Committee, 2007-2008
Following preliminary work in Phase 1, this project involved producing four further case studies, based on real farms in the South Downs, to examine the economic impacts of changing from conventional to more extensive, environmentally friendly systems of farming and land use. The case studies will inform the development of a business model which can be used by individual farmers and advisors to assess the opportunities for individual holdings in the area. The findings will also be used to for influencing policy.
TSEC – BIOSYS Farmer Discussion Groups on Energy Crops
IEEP, 2006
This work involved the facilitation of farmer discussion groups examining farmer attitudes relating to the uptake of energy crops. Discussion groups were held in different parts of the country. The outcome of this work was a series of statements which capture different motivations for farmer behaviour. These were used in subsequent modelling by SAC as part of the TSEC-BIOSYS project, a large, research council funded project developing a framework for whole systems analysis and research on bioenergy that will lead to credible scenarios and a road map for the UK’s bioenergy sector.
Guidance on Single Payment Scheme and Environmental Land Management Schemes
National Grid plc, 2006
This project involved the production of guidance on Single Payment Scheme, agri-environment schemes and woodland schemes in England and Wales for National Grid staff and agents. The guidance is intended to inform discussions and negotiations with farmers and landowners affected by the proposed Milford Haven to Gloucestershire high pressure gas pipeline.
Review of Agri-Environment Scheme Funding and State Aid Issues in relation to HLF Grants and Collation of Best Practice Examples
Heritage Lottery Fund, 2006-2008
This project involved reviewing and revising guidance on the interaction between HLF funding and UK agri-environment schemes, producing guidance on State Aid Issues and collating examples of standard documents that are integral to the delivery of Landscape Partnership Schemes.
Landscape Partnership Scheme Workshops
Heritage Lottery Fund, 2006
This project involved helping HLF to organise and deliver two Landscape Partnership Scheme workshops, one in Birmingham and the other in Edinburgh. The aim was to bring together project staff and partners from Area Schemes and Landscape Partnership Schemes from around the UK to develop and promote best practice and to contribute to a preliminary evaluation of the schemes. Both workshops were well attended and yielded excellent feedback from participants.
Cost Benefit Analysis Datasheets
Welsh Assembly Government, with FWAG Cymru, 2006
Commissioned by the WAG Environmental Operations Group, this project involved the production of a series of datasheets for farmers highlighting the financial benefits associated with the adoption of good environmental practices on farms in Wales. The work involved a literature review, the collation and analysis of financial costs and benefits and datasheet design. Eight datasheets were produced covering manure/slurry storage, soil nutrient management, soil management, water and energy management, waste minimisation, pesticides and sheep dip, habitat maintenance and rotational grazing.
Agricultural Economics Consultancy
South Downs Conservation Board, 2005-2006
This work involved producing forward financial projections for a local authority owned farm, based on two scenarios: continuing a conventional ‘high input, high output’ arable system; and changing to a more extensive, environmentally sensitive farming system.
Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) Fact Sheets
Cotswolds AONB, 2005
This work involved the development of a series of simple Fact Sheets to guide farmers in the Cotswolds AONB who may be considering applying for Defra’s Entry Level Stewardship scheme. The Fact Sheets aimed to help farmers with their applications and support environmental protection and enhancement in the area. All four fact sheets can be found at http://www.cotswoldsaonb.com/page_wide.asp?pageID=21#categoryID96.
Why do People make Decisions that Favour Wildlife? Understanding the Drivers
English Nature and Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB Unit, 2004
13 case studies in the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Natural Area. This Lifescapes project investigated the reasons why people make donations (of land, time or money) to the environment and the motivation for the contributions. The project aimed to improve our general understanding about economic-social-environmental linkages.
Benefits and Costs of Wildlife Friendly Farming
RSPB, 2000
Financial assessment of wildlife friendly farming practices on 8 case study farms around England to promote best practice, assist with staff training and contribute to policy development.
