Topic TBC

Following the October Budget, and recent changes and uncertainty around Agri-environment schemes, we are planning to focus our next event on updates to government funding. We are planning to cover SFI, Higher tier and Landscape Recovery, as far as the guidance allows. 

In addition, there has been lots of interest around the growing topic of BNG. We are planning to invite a speaker that will be able to give the farmer's perspective on how the process has unfolded and what they have learnt so far about BNG as a means of attracting private finance. 

Register for the event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elms-update-and-bng-tickets-1077516102669?aff=oddtdtcreator

At this event we presented the results of the habitat mapping and species survey, placing it in the context of emerging nature markets and suggesting examples for where ho we could use the results to deliver projects for nature.

Local authorities have been commissioned to put together a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), outlining areas for nature improvement. The LNRS will identify areas to protect and buffer designated sites, enhance opportunity areas and map existing projects. The LNRS will deliver:

• Agreed priorities for nature’s recovery.

• A map of the most valuable existing areas for nature.

• A map of proposals for creating or improving habitat for nature.

• Inclusion of wider environmental goals.

In this workshop, we will discuss what the LNRS is, how it will impact you and your farm, and how you can have your say. Your input in this session will be fed back to the LNRS teams at both Kent and Sussex.

The High Weald FiPL programme have recieved additional funding to help farmers meet their objectives of:

• recover nature

• tackle climate change

• provide opportunities for people to discover the landscape

• support sustainable farm businesses.

The High Weald is looking for farm projects related to their objectives that they can support. We will be putting on a workshop in collaboration with the High Weald for you to discuss potential ideas you might have had and see if they would be eligible for funding.

To support farmers through the emergence of nature markets, DEFRA have commissioned the Green Finance Institute (GFI) to develop the investment readiness toolkit, which will provide a tailored framework offering farmers valuable advice on how to create investable nature finance projects. In the pilot phase, the GFI is gathering insights from stakeholders to ensure the toolkit meets the specific needs of farmers.

As part of this pilot, the GFI will be hosting a workshop with the 1066 farmer cluster. This will be an opportunity for you to try out the tool and provide feedback, learn more about nature markets and ask any questions you might have on how nature markets are likely to work.

Christina Regendanz - Cooke is hosting the 1066 farmers for a farm walk and disucssion on meadow management for Countryside Stewardship options. Dan Tuson from Natural England will be coming to answer your questions on meadow species, creation and management.

Holly Shaw – Knowledge Exchange Manager E Anglia
Introduction to benchmarking & farm economics
 
Tom Dracup - Lead Analyst (Livestock)
Market Intelligence 
 
Millie Askew - Lead Analyst (Cereals & Oilseeds)
Market Intelligence 

Farm Walk at Churchlands Farm
Churchland Farm has been in zero tillage for some 15 years. We will investigate the benefits of zero till and discuss practical pro's and con's of the establishment method.

Understanding Your Soil Analysis
Further to the group soil analysis in September, Ian will talk us through the much anticipated soil analysis results. There have been long delays at the laboratory hence the time taken to get these to you.

Environmental Land Management Update 
Sandy Kapila - RPA 
Sandy will update the group on the current position of ELM, including options that are currently available to farmers and future opportunities.

Funding for 1066 Farmers
Georgina Wallis - CLM
Georgina will give a brief overview of the funding schemes that are available to farmers locally

Understanding your soils - Interpreting local soil analysis
Ian will interpret the results of the recent soil analysis that you have been part of. This project will provide a detailed overview of how local soils perform and typical issues to look out for. As soil assessments and sampling becoming an increasingly important factor in agri-environment schemes, as well as increasing application costs placing pressure on food production, being able to assess your own soils and sample results is that much more important. Ian will be speaking throughout the event on how you can both look after and maximize the effective use of your soils.

What to look for in your soils - A visual assessment of soils
Ian will be guiding us through a visual assessment of some of the soils typical of this part of Sussex. This will involve digging a soil pit to allow for the inspection of the soil profiles and assess factors such as ease of root penetration, soil texture and structure.

• What is the Facilitation Fund and why is it important?

• What are the priorities for the area? 

• What are the biggest challenges to local farmers and how can we begin to address them? 

• What would you like to see delivered from the group?

• Who would you like to collaborate with/hear from?