The answer lies in the soil
Agriculture and the Broads
Agri-Environment schemes
Diversification

Agriculture and the Broads
The condition of the Broads and the quality of its habitats depend greatly on the way that the surrounding land is managed. This of course has a knock on effect on the quality of the experience to the visitor, so it is very important to bring farmers into the picture.

The majority of agricultural land in the Broads is grazing marsh, over 20,000 hectares of it in total. Traditionally, these were grazed, which created ideal habitat for a number of birds, such as the lapwing and redshank.

Encouragement from governments in the previous decades, led to a steady reduction in the marshland in the Broads, as large areas became drained and converted to arable. This went hand in hand with the increased use of chemical fertilisers on the land, which contributed to a decline in the water quality of the surrounding rivers and broads.

Agri-Environment Schemes
Following nationwide concern about the degradation of farmland for wildlife, the government introduced a number of agri-environment schemes, which provide incentives to farmers to protect or restore wildlife habitats in their land.

The Broads rests in one of 22 Environmental Sensitive Areas (ESA) around the country, providing incentives to farmers to manage the land sympathetically to the distinctive landscape and wildlife.
An annual payment is made on each hectare of land entered on to the scheme and additional payments are made to bring greater benefits to the environment.

The future looks likely to boost agri-environment schemes. As Sandy Toulson of the Broads Authority explained: "In addition to the 'narrow and deep' schemes such as the ESA which improve land in isolation, there are plans to develop 'broad and shallow' schemes to effect the catchment areas of the ESA and give benefits to wider areas. These will deal with issues such as water quality, landscape and the wider habitat."

To boost the wildlife value of their land, some farmers are working with conservation organisations. The RSPB runs a scheme called the Voluntary Farmers Alliance, which was successfully started here in East Anglia before moving nationwide.

RSPB volunteers are asked by farmers to survey their land, and produce a map of the birds seen in the area. These have been used by farmers as evidence to supplement an application for stewardship grants. A spokesperson from the RSPB said: "Essentially this is a good opportunity to improve links with farmers and exchange information."

Diversification
The Broads is a rural community, and a great deal of its population is dependent on agriculture for a livelihood. Farmers have experienced a major downturn in their incomes in recent years for a number of reasons, and are being encouraged to reconsider their assets and diversify their operations. Clearly there are opportunities for farmers to complement the interest in the area, by providing facilities or attractions to visitors.

Proposals relating to farm diversification will be encouraged where they enhance the natural or built environment, or public enjoyment of the area.

Click here to see how one farmer operating in Halvergate marshes views the scheme
Click here to read one landowner's ideas for diversification

Map The Future of Farming - EDP24 Special Report Climate change in Norfolk