Trust hails success of pioneering farmers’ project

Farmers and landowners have received support to generate income, while helping nature recover, thanks to a pioneering project led by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

The initiative, known as Farming Nature Derwent: A place-based Payments for Ecosystem Services scheme for farmers and land managers, has undertaken extensive research to develop investment-ready business models applicable to a broad range of land management contexts.

It has generated important insights into how land managers can diversify their income by capturing the value of ecosystem services delivered through nature recovery.

Supported through £100,000 from Defra’s Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF), the trust was able to develop new tools and processes that make it easier for landowners to identify, understand and engage with nature market opportunities.

Ruth Pilbeam, from Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our vision is a Wilder Derbyshire, with more nature-based solutions delivering benefits for people and communities while driving nature’s recovery.

“Through this project, we’ve supported farmers and landowners to develop new ways of generating sustainable income through payments for ecosystem services, while restoring and connecting habitats across the Derwent catchment.”