CALL FOR NUTRIENT MITIGATION SITES UPPER EDEN & EAMONT

On 27^th January, Natural England will be opening a call for nutrient mitigation sites in the Upper Eden and Eamont catchments in Cumbria.  They are looking for around 600ha of farmland to be converted from intensive agriculture to nature conservation and are particularly looking for land on impeded drainage soil types currently managed as Arable with an area of over 25ha, and dairy with an area of over 100ha.  The land would enter into 90-year agreements to exclude the use of all non-organic and organic fertilisers with a single upfront payment whereby Natural England would purchase all the nutrient credits generated.  Payments will be capped at 125% of land value and the tax treatment of the payment has yet to be confirmed by HMRC although a decision is imminent.    Landowners and farmers in the catchment will be emailed on 27^th January and local land agents were offered the opportunity to attend a briefing this week.  Veronica has a slide pack if you would like further details – email:  Veronica@thefarmernetwork.co.uk.