FAQ
- What is ELMS Peat Test & Trial (T & T)?
- This trial forms part of a series of efforts to develop a "sweet spot" between traditional agricultural food production practices and the need to ensure that Somerset's peat is retained in good condition, in perpetuity.
- What is the intent - broad plan?
- To design, implement and run a series of voluntary trails across the Somerset Levels and Moors:
- Option 1 - between Dec 2022 & March 2023 for raised winter penning levels , whereby landowners are paid for providing a public service, in this case, to increase water levels within the drainage system.
- Option 2 - between April 2023 & Nov 2023 for raised summer levels , whereby landowners are paid for providing a public service, in this case, to increase water levels within the drainage system.
- Option 3 - no more than 0.25% exposed peat at any time across the entire field parcel. Removal of all livestock before the end of active growing.
- It is hoped that these trials will demonstrate that there is a willingness amongst local landowners to explore novel solutions to the issues of peat retention on the Somerset Levels and Moors, and in turn potentially receive payment for the delivery of wider public service and goods.
For more details see measures page.
- Who is running the project?
- FWAG. FWAG was first established as a charity in the 1960s by a group of forward-thinking farmers who saw that the environment was an important part of a successful farming business.
The organisation helped farmers understand the environmental value of their land and make the most of the agri-environment options available.
The FWAG Association succeeded FWAG in 2011. It represents a coming together of the local Farming & Wildlife Advisory Groups which continue to serve the farming community up and down the country today, according to the original FWAG standards and values.
- FWAG. FWAG was first established as a charity in the 1960s by a group of forward-thinking farmers who saw that the environment was an important part of a successful farming business.
- Who is funding the project?
- DEFRA, as part of the ELMs T&T
- Somerset Rivers Authority
- EU. As part of the Co-adapt project, investigating and delivering novel solutions to climate change threat to low lying land. Adapting The Levels is a partnership project dedicated to empowering those who live and work on the Somerset Levels to take action on Climate Adaptation.
- Is habitat provision part of the expectation?
- No. Natural England are content that the scheme compliments existing wildlife protection measures on SSSIs and the wider SPA and so are happy for the trails to go ahead but there is no expectation that this will directly create or maintain existing protected habitats. This is purely about providing additional tools to manage flood risk in the area and ensuring that those providing that service are adequately paid for having done so.
- How does the auction work?
- The auction allows farmers to submit an interest in receiving payments for one or all of the options highlighted above on their land.
To do this, the user can identify their landholding using their SBI or by drawing the field boundary on the web site. There are different levels of payment depending on options chosen.
- The auction allows farmers to submit an interest in receiving payments for one or all of the options highlighted above on their land.
- What am I bidding for?
- You are submitting an interest to voluntary accepting raised water levels in the drainage system either in winter or summer (or both) or adopting a Peat sensitive grazing management.
- What are the measures?
- Please see the measures page.
- When and how will I be paid for implementing the measures?
- Once the Test and Trial is completed the Somerset Rivers Authority will receive your invoice and payment will be arranged.
