The Solway Coast is a farmed landscape which reflects traditional farming practices and more recent changes brought about by innovation and a response to agricultural policies brought forward to improve food productivity.
Its climate is influenced by prevailing south-westerly winds which bring a regular supply of rainfall, which, when combined with fertile soils, is ideal for grass growth –meaning that livestock farming is the predominant agricultural activity either through dairy, beef or sheep production. Some land is farmed for cereal production, often used as a feed for livestock.
Farming is vital, not just for the production of food and food security, but also for the management of the land to successfully conserve and enhance the environment in our protected landscape. A thriving agricultural sector leads to a viable rural economy and flourishing local communities.
Agricultural policy is encouraging farmers and land managers to move their businesses towards more environmentally friendly farming practices and the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) offer funding for the promotion of sustainable farming techniques and innovation.
The Solway Coast National Landscape Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme offers grants to farmers and land managers for one-off projects which fit around the outcomes of climate, nature, people and place. For more information have a look at our FiPL page.
