The main aim of Countryside Agency policy for sustainable land management is to inform and demonstrate future directions for agricultural policy and industry.    To achieve this, four principles have been proposed: multi-functionality of land-use ...

Sustainable Land Management

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The main aim of Natural England policy for sustainable land management is to inform and demonstrate future directions for agricultural policy and industry.

To achieve this, four principles have been proposed:

  • multi-functionality of land-use - land management should deliver a wide range of benefits          
  • sustainability - land management should reflect the principles of sustainable development
  • integration - land management must be integrated with rural development
  • subsidiarity - a framework which reflects regional and local needs and aspirations           

What do we do in the South West?   We are seeking Agricultural and Rural Development policy shaped at national and European level to achieve sustainable land management and safeguard countryside character, by:

  • Testing ideas about contribution of forestry to rural development via South West Forest and input to Regional Forestry Strategy
  • Informing policy on feasibility and promotion of woodheat - contract currently running  Land Management Strategy being developed for the Culm (a large part of west and north Devon)    - contract currently running  
  • Regional monitoring and input to Rural Development Programme (ERDP) and regional input to national policy team regarding CAP reform
  • Guidance and input to regional Strategy for Sustainable Food and Farming
  • Landscape appraisal and monitoring of DEFRA's new Entry Level Scheme pilot in Tiverton
  • Landscape appraisal and assessment of Environmental Impact Assessments for proposed changes in Uncultivated Land (statutory requirement).