Rewilding in England: Farmers to Receive Payment for Land Restoration
Rewilding is a process of restoring natural ecosystems by reintroducing native species and allowing natural processes to take place. This process has gained popularity in recent years as a way to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. In England, the government has announced a new scheme that will pay farmers to restore their land to its natural state.
The scheme, called the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme, will replace the current system of subsidies for farmers. Under the ELM scheme, farmers will be paid for restoring their land to its natural state, including rewilding. This means that farmers will be paid to reintroduce native species, such as beavers, otters, and wild boar, and to allow natural processes, such as flooding and erosion, to take place.
The ELM scheme is part of the government’s plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and to restore biodiversity. The scheme will also help to address the decline in wildlife populations in England. According to a report by the State of Nature partnership, 41% of species in England have declined since the 1970s.
The ELM scheme will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase starting in 2021. The scheme will be open to all farmers, regardless of the size of their farm. Farmers will be able to choose from a range of options, including rewilding, agroforestry, and soil restoration.
Rewilding has been shown to have a range of benefits, including increasing biodiversity, improving soil health, and reducing carbon emissions. By reintroducing native species, rewilding can also help to restore natural ecosystems and improve the resilience of ecosystems to climate change.
The ELM scheme has been welcomed by environmental groups, who see it as a positive step towards restoring biodiversity in England. However, some farmers have expressed concerns about the scheme, including the cost of implementing rewilding measures and the potential impact on their livelihoods.
Overall, the ELM scheme represents a significant shift in the way that farmers are supported in England. By paying farmers to restore their land to its natural state, the scheme has the potential to make a significant contribution to the restoration of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
