Support is available forFaughan vale farmers

A massive landscape scheme funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and delivered by partners Derry City Council, the Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID) and the Woodland Trust aims to restore and enhance the natural and built heritage within the beautiful Faughan Valley.

With the spotlight currently on trees and woodland, the partners are making it easy for farmers and landowners to turn unused areas of land into flourishing native woodland.

Jonathan Henderson, landscape officer with the Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme, said: “Thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we’re offering free advice, site visits and in some cases funding to help landowners in the area to experience the many benefits of woodland.

“Trees enhance our landscape and improve the air we breathe. And with extreme weather events becoming more commonplace, trees and woods thoughtfully integrated into the farm have an important role to play, providing shelter and shade vital for livestock welfare and productivity.”

Support is available to farmers and landowners who have a minimum of 0.4 hectares (one acre) of land to plant.

The scheme is currently offering up to 60 per cent of the cost of trees and materials.

The Faughan Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme covers an area of 170 square kilometres (nearly 17,000 hectares). The proposed area extends from the foothills of the North Sperrins along the River Faughan to the outskirts of the city of Derry-Londonderry. To find out more contact Jonathan Henderson on 028 7133 7498; mobile 0771 869 4172; or email [email protected]