THE Farmer Network, in partnership with the Lake District National Park Authority and the National Trust, has organised two events for those starting or developing a farming business in the Lake District.

The meetings are being held on: Wednesday, March 2 at the Farmers Arms, Lowick, and Wednesday, March 9 at the Fairfield Café, Mitchells Auction at Cockermouth. Both sessions will start at 7pm.

The meetings will be an opportunity to hear from all three organisations about the latest developments on grants and tenancy opportunities and will provide a forum for the next generation to give their views about what support would help them develop their businesses in future.

Kate Gascoyne of the Farmer Network said: “We urge the next generation of Lake District farmers to come along to these meetings which are aimed at restarting the discussions we had at workshops before COVID.”

LDNP farming officer, Jasmine Holliday, said: “The farming community are a huge credit to the Lake District National Park and a key reason why we are a World Heritage Site. We’re going through a really critical period in agriculture and know that our future generation of farmers need help navigating their way through the coming transition. We are looking forward to meeting this next generation of farmers and better understanding what support we can offer through this time of change.”

Jez Westgarth from the National Trust said: “Farming and the rural economy are heading into a period of huge change, which will bring with it both challenge and opportunity as farm businesses adapt to the changes in Government payments. We are keen to work with the next generation of farmers as they prepare for this future, be they preparing for their first farm, at the early stages of establishing and developing a farm business, or developing their skills on the family farm.”