There are a number of individuals and organisations giving a range of advice to farmers, land managers and owners in the Peak District.

There are also multiple funding streams both existing and in development. This can create confusion, with farmers often having several different people contacting them about various topics.

Farmers in the Peak District generally have one or a few trusted contacts, depending on the discussion point. An Adviser Network can help make sure farmers and land managers aren’t overwhelmed, whilst having an overview of the projects and funding that is available.

The network can work two ways: by a farmer requesting something that needs a specialist, or Advisers looking to implement a project or get in touch with farmers and land managers.

A coordinated approach can also give Advisers confidence that they are giving the right advice, having considered all options. With the many roles that Advisers could have, it is important that the burden of ‘knowing it all’ is not expected to be on any one individual, but that they know who to contact or who to put farmers, land managers and owners in touch with depending on the situation.

For nature

• All opportunities for facilitating nature recovery can be considered, and the most appropriate selected.
• Specialists can contribute to the range of advice, making sure key knowledge is incorporated.
• Advisers can share learning experiences of what has worked for nature and what hasn’t, that can then be applied to a wider range of land holdings.
• Maximising funding opportunities to deliver more for nature.

What else can a coordinated approach deliver?

• A holistic approach, based on shared knowledge and information, which works and can consider other public goods such as cultural heritage and access, alongside nature.
• Advice can be cross referenced by other members of the team to ensure farmers and land managers recieve the best possible guidance.
• Advisers with an excellent knowledge of Defra and other organisation`s funding schemes can maximise income for Peak District farmers.

ParkLife Robert Thornhill (c) Tom Marshall

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In practice

• Advisers can advise on full range of available funding to find right funding source(s).
• A platform accessible to Advisers, and potentially farmers, land managers and owners to know what funding is available, who it is available to, how much, what it can pay for, and who to contact would be needed.
• Advisers would need a method of sharing information.
• Networking and training events can help keep Advisers in touch face to face.
• A coordinated network will provide confidence in the quality of advice and allow Advisers to signpost confidently to other opportunities.