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UK farming projects
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Home > Our work > Farming > Working with farmers > UK farming projects > Cayton and Flixton Carrs wetland project
Cayton and Flixton Carrs wetland project
This partnership project in North Yorkshire’s Vale of Pickering aims to rehabilitate a nationally important wetland landscape through sensitive farm management. Returning arable fields to wet grassland will provide habitat for breeding waders such as snipe, lapwings and redshanks as well as protecting important archaeology. What area is covered by this project?Cayton and Flixton Carrs is part of the River Hertford floodplain on peaty soils at the eastern end of the Vale of Pickering. The area is currently a flat and open landscape of arable fields, criss-crossed by a network of drainage ditches. Covering around 1,000 ha, the area is just 3 km from the Yorkshire seaside resorts of Scarborough and Filey. A brief landscape history of the project area.Twelve thousand years ago Lake Flixton formed at the eastern end of the Vale of Pickering when a glacial moraine blocked the drainage route to the North Sea. 'It is hoped that these schemes can be used to reverse the recent declines in farm wildlife, especially farmland plants and birds.' Archaeological evidence of the activities of Mesolithic man on the shores of this lake around 9,000 years ago is internationally significant. The most famous site, Star Carr, has yielded clues to Stone-Age hunter-gatherers since 1949. For thousands of years the Vale of Pickering had a mosaic of wetland habitats such as fen, wet woodland (‘carr’), flood meadows (‘ings’) and reedswamp. Clues remain today in place names throughout the Vale – eg Wintringham, Seamer Carr, Flixton Ings. However, in 1800, the Drainage Acts were passed and The Carrs were drained for intensive agriculture and much of the wetland habitat was lost. What is the background to this project?Arable farming has become increasingly difficult in the project area. Slumping of the peat soil, and increased rainfall has caused problems with field drainage. In many fields, growing crops has not been attempted for several years. These problems could be worsened by climate change, with more frequent storms and rainfall expected to increase. Recent changes in UK agriculture have created an exciting opportunity. The introduction of Environmental Stewardship provides a possible alternative income for farmers. This Project is helping farmers to apply for Higher Level Stewardship (HLS), through which Natural England will pay them to create and manage new wetland habitats to benefit birds, wildlife and the landscape heritage. Who is involved?The RSPB is working as part of a partnership including Natural England, The Environment Agency, Scarborough Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council together with the local landowners in the project area. What are the main aims of the project?The project’s main aim is to enhance floodplain habitats to support breeding waders, whilst protecting the archaeological resource of The Carrs. This will be achieved through management agreements with landowners under the Government’s HLS Scheme. It is hoped that these schemes can be used to reverse the recent declines in farm wildlife, especially farmland plants and birds. Other benefits include improving the financial security of the farming community, water quality enhancement and flood storage for the River Derwent catchment. What will it look like?A mosaic of wetland habitats of wet grassland, pools, flushes, reedbeds and wet woodlands, with extensive areas of wet grasslands grazed by cattle, sheep and other livestock. A predominantly open landscape, with soil conditions suitable for breeding waders such as redshanks, snipe, curlews and lapwings. Flocks of wintering ducks, waders and geese on shallow flooded land near the river. Watercourses rich in wildlife supporting water voles, otters, dragonflies and aquatic plants. What has happened so far?The project offers advice and assistance to farmers on HLS applications and Farm Environment Plans (FEPs). HLS agreements have already been signed for two parcels of land. Preparatory work and negotiations continue on other land holdings in the project area. Baseline environmental data has been collected by ecological consultants and local naturalist groups commissioned by the project partnership. These include surveys for breeding and wintering birds, water vole and otter signs, aquatic vegetation of drainage ditches and water table monitoring wells. Detailed topographical surveys were commissioned using air surveys and ground measurements whilst hydrological experts carried out a major wetland feasibility study and impact assessment. A Steering Group has been set up to consult with local farmers and other interested groups and presentations made to local communities. A website has also been set up (see the link on the right). For more information please contact: Tim Burkinshaw (Wetland Project Officer)
Dr Michelle Lindsay, RSPB Conservation Officer, Yorkshire & Humber Area
Last modified: 23 January 2008 |
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Insect on dewy ears of barley - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
Herd of cows, West Sedgemoor RSPB reserve - David Kjaer (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2006_11413_0029)
Archie Carmichael (L, on tractor) & Gus Keys (R = site manager) in farm yard at Kinnabus. Mull of Oa RSPB reserve. Islay - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: D_2005_9857_009)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)