FARMERS in Craven are being invited to an evening meeting in Settle to hear the latest news and information on grants and stewardship schemes.

At the meeting, farm conservation and woodland advisers from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will provide information on a variety of topics. These include the Countryside Stewardship Mid and Higher Tier applications; the Hedgerows and Boundaries scheme; and Water Capital and Woodland grants.

The meeting will be held at Settle Rugby Club on Monday, February at 7.30pm.

As as added temptation to attend on a cold winter’s night, there will be a free supper included.

Farm conservation adviser Jane Le Cocq said: “Everyone is waiting to learn more about the government’s proposed new Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs).

This will replace Countryside Stewardship by 2024 and be trialled nationally from October next year.

“But it’s unlikely we’ll get any details on ELMs in the near future, so during the evening meeting we will be concentrating on the existing agri-environment scheme, Countryside Stewardship.

“Ministers have confirmed that if farmers enter into a new Countryside Stewardship agreement this year, they will be able to exit it early, without penalty, to join ELMs when it comes along.

“Countryside Stewardship has been much improved over the past year and we think it offers some decent options for upland farmers.

“The application window will open in February, and we are looking to offer support to applicants.”

For farmers who cannot make the Settle date, evening meetings are also being held in other areas.

These will be taking place in Sedbergh People’s Hall on Wednesday, February 5; Orton Market Hall on Monday, February10; The Fountain Pub in Hawes on Thursday, February 13; and the Buck Hotel in Reeth on Thursday, February 20.

All meetings will start at 7.30pm prompt.

It will greatly help organisers to know what numbers to expect on each of the evenings.

People wishing to attend are being asked to contact the farm conservation team on 01756 751654 or email sally.howorth@yorkshiredales.org.uk

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of 15 National Parks in the UK. It is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which has two main purposes: to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park. In carrying out these purposes, the Authority has a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well being of local communities.