Past Farming Initiatives

Agricultural Policies from the Central Government at Westminster and the European Community have influenced Snowdonia’s farmers over the years. Grants in the past were available per head of sheep grazed on the hills, which led to overgrazing and a decrease in the species habitat that exist here. It became clear to the Agriculture Section that this type of farming was against the aims of National Parks and that, if they were to ‘conserve and enhance’ the area, new environmentally-based schemes were needed.

The "TIR CYMEN" Initiative

This is a whole farm conservation voluntary scheme, which was initially introduced to three areas namely Dinefwr and Gower in South Wales and Meirionnydd in North Wales by the Countryside Council for Wales. The scheme was first implemented in 1992.

In Meirionnydd, the scheme was / is administered by the National Park's Agriculture Section on behalf of the Countryside Council for Wales.

The expression "Tir Cymen" has no exact English equivalent but it conveys the idea of "a well composed landscape". The initiative involved a new experimental scheme aimed at countryside conservation in Wales. It offered farmers annual payments in return for:-

1. Preservation of Habitats: by reducing the stocking levels on heather moors, marshland, planting trees and fencing them in to prevent grazing of new shoots. Also included preservation of archaeological / historical sites.
2. Capital Works: mending stone walls, farm buildings, and grants for new wooden gates / styles.

The Countryside Council for Wales introduced Tir Cymen as a market-based approach to the management of farmland. The Council believes that the farmer should be paid for looking after the countryside in much the same way as he is paid for normal agricultural produce. By doing this the Council recognises the increasing economic pressure on the farmer and at the same time recognises the contribution the farmer's skills and experience can make to conservation work. In order to conserve the countryside people must continue to live and farm there.

A Tir Cymen agreement lasts for ten years and is now nearing the need of its life. A payment for reducing the number of stock on certain habitats such as moor land and unimproved pasture was quite the opposite to the encouragement given to farmers for many years, but was in accord with the demand for a reduction in agricultural production on a European scale. The strategy aimed to ensure that if there is a need to reduce output then that should happen where it offers the greatest benefit for conservation.

A Summary of the Tir Cymen Code

Safeguard

• stone walls, slate fences, hedges, earth banks
• Archaeological and geological features
• Traditional stone built features
• Weatherproof traditional stone buildings

Tidy up unsightly farm rubbish.

Look after your trees.

Manage watercourses and wetland for wildlife.

Consult your Tir Cymen Officer if you intend to do work which could change the landscape or wildlife habitats of the farm.

The scheme was important to the general public, bearing in mind the growing interest in conservation matters - especially amongst young people. It was very important for the agricultural industry, since it brings new money into the industry, and gives clear recognition to the farmer's central role in conservation.