Farm Advice for the Wye Valley National Landscape

Farm Advice for the Wye Valley National Landscape

Farm Advice for the Wye Valley National Landscape
15 December 2023

The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit (now known as the Wye Valley National Landscape) commissioned TEP to deliver targeted farm advice in the Monmouthshire part of the Wye Valley AONB in order to develop small scale habitat enhancement and connectivity interventions. The project was part of a wider scheme with Gwent Wildlife Trust and The Woodland Trust to deliver the overall Lower Wye Valley Nature Networks Project with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). The scheme allowed match funding to be given to farmers and landowners to improve habitat condition and connectivity on their land.

TEP reached out to a number of organisations to compile a list of potential farms to contact about the scheme with a bespoke information flyer produced in English and Welsh. A total of 10 farms agreed to participate in the scheme and were visited by consultants in August and September 2022.

Summary reports were produced for each farm. These listed an introduction to the project, farm overview, previous conservation actions, basic soil and hydrology commentary, description of current ecological habitats, information on consenting requirements and site-specific ecological opportunities. All reports were supplemented with opportunity maps.

Seven farms proceeded with selected works, which were all installed and established by September 2023. The projects also allowed the AONB to work with new contacts, hopefully facilitating future work. One farmer’s aspiration to undertake further Natural Flood Management (NFM) activity resulted in Monmouthshire County Council issuing an ordinary water consent for the whole of a woodland site, allowing future NFM projects to take place without requiring separate consent applications.

Nick Critchley, Wye Valley AONB Development Officer, said, “The Lower Wye Valley Nature Networks Project has delivered some fabulous habitat enhancement work. The farm advice and opportunity mapping work delivered by TEP was well organised, managed and targeted, developed trusted relationships with farmers and identified a range of beneficial opportunities. The results of which have added value to project work managing SSSIs, by identifying opportunities for enhanced habitat connectivity on private land. Farmers engaged welcomed the advice provided and were enthusiastic to participate. Farmers have carried out some great work and we have developed relationships which will be valuable in our continued work to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.”

31 July 2026
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Future Gardeners, Routes into Horticulture and the Natural Environment, an award-winning programme dedicated to helping people access careers in horticulture and the wider green sector. To celebrate this milestone, TEP's Tom Young joined partners, supporters and alumni at the 10 year anniversary event in London to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work it has delivered over the past decade. Established by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in 2016, the programme was designed to open doors into horticulture and the natural environment through practical training, hands-on work experience and valuable industry connections. Over the last 10 years, it has empowered countless participants to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to launch their careers. Today, with more than 80% progressing into further training, apprenticeships or employment, the programme is helping to shape the next generation of horticultural and environmental professionals. Future Gardeners combines hands-on learning with work placements across parks, gardens and green spaces throughout London, giving participants valuable real-world experience alongside accredited training, including City & Guilds qualifications. By covering costs such as travel and equipment, the programme helps remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing opportunities within the sector. 
29 July 2026
Our Historic Environment and Archaeology team has helped uncover a remarkable chapter of Preston's industrial heritage.
25 June 2026
Well known Invasive-Non-Native Species (INNS) are widely understood, however the threat of new and emerging INNS across the UK is real.
31 July 2026
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Future Gardeners, Routes into Horticulture and the Natural Environment, an award-winning programme dedicated to helping people access careers in horticulture and the wider green sector. To celebrate this milestone, TEP's Tom Young joined partners, supporters and alumni at the 10 year anniversary event in London to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work it has delivered over the past decade. Established by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in 2016, the programme was designed to open doors into horticulture and the natural environment through practical training, hands-on work experience and valuable industry connections. Over the last 10 years, it has empowered countless participants to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to launch their careers. Today, with more than 80% progressing into further training, apprenticeships or employment, the programme is helping to shape the next generation of horticultural and environmental professionals. Future Gardeners combines hands-on learning with work placements across parks, gardens and green spaces throughout London, giving participants valuable real-world experience alongside accredited training, including City & Guilds qualifications. By covering costs such as travel and equipment, the programme helps remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing opportunities within the sector. 
29 July 2026
Our Historic Environment and Archaeology team has helped uncover a remarkable chapter of Preston's industrial heritage.
31 July 2026
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Future Gardeners, Routes into Horticulture and the Natural Environment, an award-winning programme dedicated to helping people access careers in horticulture and the wider green sector. To celebrate this milestone, TEP's Tom Young joined partners, supporters and alumni at the 10 year anniversary event in London to recognise and celebrate the invaluable work it has delivered over the past decade. Established by Bankside Open Spaces Trust and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners in 2016, the programme was designed to open doors into horticulture and the natural environment through practical training, hands-on work experience and valuable industry connections. Over the last 10 years, it has empowered countless participants to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to launch their careers. Today, with more than 80% progressing into further training, apprenticeships or employment, the programme is helping to shape the next generation of horticultural and environmental professionals. Future Gardeners combines hands-on learning with work placements across parks, gardens and green spaces throughout London, giving participants valuable real-world experience alongside accredited training, including City & Guilds qualifications. By covering costs such as travel and equipment, the programme helps remove barriers that can prevent people from accessing opportunities within the sector. 
29 July 2026
Our Historic Environment and Archaeology team has helped uncover a remarkable chapter of Preston's industrial heritage.
25 June 2026
Well known Invasive-Non-Native Species (INNS) are widely understood, however the threat of new and emerging INNS across the UK is real.