In a follow up to our post from 7th December 2019, further information has been released about the Farming Recovery Fund, the grant scheme to support farmers affected by significant flooding.
It was originally announced that Gloucestershire and Worcestershire would be eligible following the flooding in November 2019. However, it turns out that this does not mean all of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, as the only area included is the Avon floodplain downstream of Evesham. This is a relatively small patch so sadly only a handful of farmers here will benefit. (The scheme is also open in parts of South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire).
Those that are eligible could do well though, as there is a comprehensive list of different works covered. The minimum grant is £500, and the maximum is £25,000. Some of the works have fixed payments, but others depend on the exact nature of the work required. Here are a few examples:
• Stone wall restoration
• Replacement post and wire fencing
• New gates
• Drinking troughs and pipework
• Resurfacing gateways
• Cultivations to restore grassland and arable land
• Removing flood debris
• Restoring farm tracks
• Restoring ditches
These are works that are never normally covered in other grant schemes, so if you are eligible to apply it is well worth seeing if you can take advantage. The scheme for the Avon in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire closes on 31st July 2020.
If you would like any advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch – 01684 325215 / 07814 033449 charles@cpwdaniell.co.uk
