Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West Limited

Entry #25 - Maisie Jepson: The value of volunteering

I moved to Marlborough, Wiltshire about 3 years ago and love that the Kennet, a beautiful chalk stream, runs through it. Growing up in Worcestershire on the floodplain of the Severn I had a very different experience of rivers; I certainly wouldn’t have waded in that, and now, most years my parents’ house will be cut off for a couple of weeks at peak flow. Read the full article from Maisie by clicking here... Read more
Entry #24 - Rebecca Mills: A one acre plot of over-winter stubble

As a FWAG adviser I am lucky to work with many enthusiastic and knowledgeable farmers keen to take forward a wide variety of environmental projects. Wherever possible I encourage farmers to go a bit further, try something new and make a small change for the environment. Read the full article from Rebecca by clicking here... Read more
[18.11.21] Defra announces the launch of the Farming Investment Fund

This week Defra announced the launch of the Farming Investment Fund which includes the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund which is similar to the previous Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme. There have been a number of changes to the grant from the previous round with the minimum grant reduced from £3K to £2K. It also includes Forestry items. More details here... Read more
Hedges: Call for volunteers

The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, CPRE Gloucestershire and the Friends of the Cotswolds have teamed up to plant new hedges in Gloucestershire to enhance the landscape and help improve biodiversity, capture carbon, and contribute to improved water quality. Read more

Supporting fellow farmers, for over 50 years, to value the environmental assets on their land and use them for a sustainable and profitable future.

How we help

Farm Habitats and Species

We can guide you through any project, arranging surveys and plans to satisfy local planning authority requirements and ensuring the project delivers the maximum wildlife and amenity value.

FWAG SW has a wealth of experience in the range of grants on offer and their suitability for your farm business. We can prepare and submit an application on your behalf and help with your evidence and record keeping requirements.

Our work

Environmental Land Management System Trial

The Environmental Land-Management System (ELMS) is being developed by DEFRA as a potential new payment methodology that is planned to replace current Basic Payment Scheme and Countryside Stewardship.

Hills to Levels

Hills to Levels is a holistic catchment management approach, which began across catchments in Somerset, aiming to ‘slow the flow’ to reduce flood risk, reduce erosion, improve water quality, deliver wider environmental benefits and increase resilience on the floodplain.

Somerset Catchment Partnership

Somerset Catchment Partnership is bringing together a range of organisations who work within the water environments of Somerset since 2013.

144

Countryside Stewardship agreements were submitted, on behalf of farmers, in 2020

£11,851,000

of grants will be paid to these farmers in the south west over the next 5 years

Plus £5.8m

for capital investments

Support us

County Competitions

FWAG SouthWest currently run county based competitions in Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire and Somerset. Are you a farmer who carefully considers methods of conservation and sustainability when farming your land? If you would like to find out more about these competitions, and find out how to enter, click here.

Become a member / Renew your membership

JOIN US! Become a friend or a member and you'll be helping to create a better farmed environment for everyone across the South West.

Kingfisher Awards Scheme Volunteering Opportunities

Could you volunteer at one of our Kingfisher schemes across the south west?

News

[18.11.21] Defra announces the launch of the Farming Investment Fund

This week Defra announced the launch of the Farming Investment Fund which includes the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund which is similar to the previous Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme. There have been a number of changes to the grant from the previous round with the minimum grant reduced from £3K to £2K. It also includes Forestry items. More details here... Read more
[5.10.21] Somerset Catchment Market

What is the Somerset Catchment Market? The Market is a new way for you to get the best prices for carrying out nature-based projects that reduce Phosphorus losses. Click here for full details... Read more
[01.09.21] Farming Rules for Water – EA Regulatory Position Statement

The Farming Rules for Water (FRfW) were introduced in April 2018 to help protect water by standardising good farming practice. Many of the 8 rules duplicate NVZ and Cross Compliance regulations. Rule 1 is causing concern, particularly for those who use organic manures. Click here for full information... Read more

Blog Posts

Entry #25 - Maisie Jepson: The value of volunteering

I moved to Marlborough, Wiltshire about 3 years ago and love that the Kennet, a beautiful chalk stream, runs through it. Growing up in Worcestershire on the floodplain of the Severn I had a very different experience of rivers; I certainly wouldn’t have waded in that, and now, most years my parents’ house will be cut off for a couple of weeks at peak flow. Read the full article from Maisie by clicking here... Read more
Entry #24 - Rebecca Mills: A one acre plot of over-winter stubble

As a FWAG adviser I am lucky to work with many enthusiastic and knowledgeable farmers keen to take forward a wide variety of environmental projects. Wherever possible I encourage farmers to go a bit further, try something new and make a small change for the environment. Read the full article from Rebecca by clicking here... Read more
Entry #23 - Adam Lockyear: A few hours left to save the planet!

With the world watching the final few hours of the COP26 climate conference and the final conference communication, the hope of future generations appears to rest on the commitments made over these last two weeks. The reality is that although governments have a major role in enabling business and citizens to make a difference, we all have a responsibility to do our bit. Read the full article from Adam by clicking here... Read more