As part of the council-led Climate Emergency Strategy for Somerset, published in 2020, FWAG South West developed the Barometer Farms project. In 2022, ten farms were chosen from across the county to be used as case studies for the project. The farms encompass a wide range of landscapes and farming types.
For each farm, the project aims to:
- establish a baseline carbon footprint
- carry out a baseline habitat survey, with the possibility of exploring the potential for biodiversity net gain (BNG) and biodiversity credit options on the farm
- showcase through reports and case studies the current actions being taken by farmers to improve resilience and mitigate or adapt to climate change
- support in developing an action plan, opportunity mapping and a funding portfolio for each farm
- identify barriers to climate resilience on farms in order to inform policy.
Over time, monitoring of these farms will provide important data on the effectiveness of responses to the climate and ecological crises in Somerset. To showcase the actions being taken on farm to other farmers, Somerset residents, other businesses, local council members and other organisations involved in the Climate Emergency Response and the Somerset Local Nature Partnership.
Project contacts at FWAG South West:
Anna Lantaff, Farm Environment Adviser – email: anna.lantaff@fwagsw.org.uk
Amanda Gallacher, Somerset Projects & Partnerships Lead
Mandy Lowe, Project Coordinator