Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West Limited

Forest Guardians (Forest of Dean) Facilitation Fund

The Forest of Dean and surrounding area is a highly significant district of Gloucestershire and is unique in its diverse environment in which to live, work and visit. There are many special designations to protect the Forest and its associated habitats and wildlife, which need to be integrated into a thriving rural economy supporting farming and tourism in the local area. Read more
Hedgerow Species #9 - Holly

The Christmas season is upon us and what plant most evokes the aesthetics of this festive season, well it must be Holly of course! Holly is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants in the Aquifoliaceae family, but here we will be looking at the IIex auifolium species. Click here to find out more about this hedgerow species... Read more
Calculating Farm Carbon

Farm carbon is being discussed regularly at the moment in connection with ELMS, climate change, food production and the NFU net zero target for 2040. Two duplicate events taking place - one on Monday 30th November (remaining places secured for Facilitation Fund Members) and the second on Monday 7th December which is open to all. Take a look here for more information Read more
Improve Your Focus For 2021

Join us for this three part virtual workshop series, presented by Holly Beckett 2015 NSch of Focussed Farmers. 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.

Great Crested Newt Pond Scheme

Are you looking to create or restore a pond on your farm? This could be the opportunity for you. As part of Natural England’s District Level Licensing, up to 100% funding is available to create or restore existing ponds with Great Crested Newts at the forefront of the pond design. Click here to register your interest...

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.

Are you interested to volunteer with us?

Volunteering with FWAG SouthWest is a brilliant opportunity to gain on the ground experience in conservation, a way of giving your time to our charity and something for your CV, as well as a chance to meet new people in your area and have fun! Click here if you think you may want to get involved!

News

[13.08.20] Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Review 19/20

The Somerset Rivers Authority's (SRA) Annual Report for 2019-20 has just been published. It showcases some of the SRA’s many achievements over the past 12 months and is a good, interesting read. Click here to read more, and download the report. Read more
[1.06.20] RPA Press Release: Bridging Payments For Stewarship Agreements Complete

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed that more than 3,800 bridging payments worth around £43 million have been made to farmers and land managers, in May 2020. Click here to read the full release... Read more
[18.05.20] John Martin, Past Chairman of Devon FWAG and KAS Founder, Sadly Passed Away on 29th April 2020

John Martin, ex Chairman of Devon FWAG in the early 1990's and one of the founders of the Kingfisher Awards Scheme, sadly passed away on 29th April, after a short illness. John farmed between Witheridge and Tiverton in Devon. Read more

Blog Posts

Hedgerow Species #9 - Holly

The Christmas season is upon us and what plant most evokes the aesthetics of this festive season, well it must be Holly of course! Holly is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants in the Aquifoliaceae family, but here we will be looking at the IIex auifolium species. Click here to find out more about this hedgerow species... Read more
Hedgerow Species #8 - Ivy

Ivy (Hedera helix) is a dominate species within our countryside and can be found growing in hedgerows, woodland, scrub and on walls and trees. There are two native subspecies of ivy in the UK. Click here to find out more about this hedgerow species... Read more
Entry #10 - Charlotte Marshall: Wonderings and Wanderings About Wood Pasture

Wood pasture is something that is quite new to me. I had heard of the term before, but the image that it conjures up is usually the grounds of stately homes that I have walked through on days out, not an environment that I come across on farms. Read the full post from Charlotte by clicking here... Read more