The Partnership's Plan - Lake District National Park

• There are also challenges from loss in biodiversity and water quality; for example, in the
number of species rich hay meadows and associated species such as breeding wading
birds; as a result of production led farming. There could also be a link between modernisation
of farming practices and detraction of visitor experiences.
• Farming businesses need to adapt to climate change, in particular flooding and more
extreme weather patterns that are sustainable for the future.
• Agriculture is characterised by an ageing workforce. Wages are low when compared to other
industries. The problem is more acute in Less Favoured Areas and it is difficult to attract
young people into the industry. A lack of housing availability and relatively low farm rents
causing less incentive to leave, mean there is an intensification of barriers to new entrants.
• About 11 per cent of the National Park is woodland, a combination of ancient, natural and
plantations. Managed woodlands have been part of the Cumbrian landscape for over 200
years and Grizedale and Whinlatter forests are some of our most popular tourist destinations.
Traditional woodlands play an increasingly important role in sustaining livelihoods through
coppicing, biofuel production and green woodworking. Forestry delivers multiple benefits
from flood control, landscape enhancement as well as health, education and well being
qualities. And much of the woodland in the National Park is an untapped economic resource.
• In 2005, 178,532ha of the National Park were within Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The
key landscapes under agreement are:
o Heather and ‘white’ fell 91,741ha
o Woodland
2,458ha
o Meadowland
765ha
• There are currently more large and small farms than medium-sized farms, as farms
amalgamate and farmhouses are sold on, often to second homeowners. The challenging
landscape of the Lake District makes farming labour-intensive.
• An important part of farming is also the unique cultural heritage it has brought, and continues
to bring, to the area including skills such as construction and repair of stone wall.
3.1.2 Recent activity and successes
Farming and forestry are major land uses across most of the area. Most public financial support is
linked to environmental enhancement, delivered by farmers, foresters and land managers. At its
peak, the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area, which started in 1993, covered 245,390 ha.
Ten year management agreements, which end in 2013, have funded millions of pounds worth of
projects including grazing reduction, commons management, restoration of farm buildings,
hedgerows, stone walls and tree planting. The Environmental Stewardship Scheme replaced the
ESA in 2005 and more than 42,718 ha are already in the scheme, with a further 103,064 ha in ESA
(as of August 2010). There is also Rural Development Programme for England funding, through
Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Area Group.
The Forestry Commission provides important data on the size, location and composition of
woodlands that forms the foundation of much research. Statistical analysis and data management,
surveying and computer modelling are crucial; they ensure our woodlands contribute effectively to
climate change management, biodiversity, economic viability and social value.
We will measure the percentage of the National Park which is being managed in line with National
Park objectives. This will show how well farmers and land managers are protecting and enhancing
the special qualities of the National Park. It will also indicate the economic value of these schemes.
This will help us understand the link with changes in land ownership, size of farms and availability of
workers.
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