Welsh Assembly to visit upland farm

Gathering evidence, the inquiry team is making a fact-finding visit to Cors Caron, a National Nature Reserve near Tregaron, in Ceredigion, managed by the Countryside Council for Wales already providing working examples of the opportunities and challenges of better upland management.

“The uplands of Wales are changing in response to a range of economic, social and environmental pressures.” Dr John Taylor, CCW’s policy director, told the AMs.

“We see, for example, the loss of rural services, ageing populations and the effects of climate change - but the communities that live and work in our uplands share desires for a prosperous local economy, good quality public services and a high quality local environment.

“That is why we need an integrated approach with a long-term focus and sustainable land management at its heart,” he added.

At Cors Caron the AMs were able to see how this works in practice through a range of projects being piloted by the Cambrian Mountains Initiative.

In partnership with landowners, the emphasis is on managing the “ecosystem services” on which all of society depends.

“Many of these services are central to improving the economy of upland areas, as well as tackling climate change and include carbon storage, water purification, water storage, flood alleviation and biodiversity management, as well as food, wood and timber production,” said Dr Taylor.

“We hope to demonstrate to the committee that we need to have a more joined-up approach, taking account of the natural environment as a whole.

“In particular, upland management schemes need to be sufficiently well resourced to enable widespread uptake – as the more demanding land management options are likely to bring the greatest public benefit.”

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