Farmers in the Binevenagh and coastal lowlands area are being given the opportunity to improve and grow their farm businesses through a range of projects offered as part of a Landscape Partnership Scheme led by Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT).
Across the five years of the project, now in its third year (2020-2025) the scheme is working with and on behalf of local communities, farmers, and landowners to explore, enhance, conserve, and improve access to the outstanding landscapes and heritage of the Binevenagh area.
As part of this suite of projects, the Landscape Partnership is reaching out to local farmers who own or farm land around the Curly Burn river and Lynn tributary, to encourage them to get involved in the Curly Burn Catchment care project and benefit from free farm plans and funded capital works. The scheme has already project funded 1250m of new riparian fencing, drinkers and stiles on the Curly Burn, as well as the creation of 1158m of riparian tree buffers, and 2.63 hectares of new native woodland in partnership with the Loughs Agency and Woodland Trust.
As part of this project, there is particular focus on river water quality and providing farmers with a free farm plan with a water quality element, not only to help improve water quality within the catchment, but to build on existing farm business and identify opportunities for farm climate and economic resilience. The water quality farm plans will not only help to achieve an improved and sustainable landscape into the future, but will also assist farmers in creating a more efficient and profitable farm businesses from simple advice and suggested changes in land-use and farming practices. Availing of the farm water quality plans is free, and the project is encouraging farmers and landowners within the Curly Burn catchment to come forward to find out more about the project, and how the Landscape Partnership can support farmers to implement small changes or plans they have for their farm business.
Water quality farm plans are being delivered by Aspen Consultants and are developed on a one-to-one basis and are specifically tailored for each farm. They provide a working document for use to apply for existing and future funding through DAERA (Environmental Farming Scheme and Forest Expansion Scheme), from the Woodland Trust and other sources.
The project is keen for landowners in the Curly Burn catchment to learn what opportunities are available to them, therefore the Binevenagh Landscape Partnership and Aspen Consultants are holding an information evening on Wednesday 15th of February 2023 at 7.30pm in Aghanloo Community Centre which anyone interested is very welcome to attend. The project is particularly interested in landowners in the areas surrounding Bolea road, Aritkelly, Windyhill road from Sconce hill towards Limavady, Keady Mountain down towards the A37, and areas around Coal Hill, Stradreagh and Lisnagrib.
To register for this event please click on the button below or email Aisling@ccght.org.