UPLAND farmers in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are to be encouraged to enter the higher level stewardship scheme.

Natural England and the park authority want to bring more land into the scheme to boost farmers’ income.

It will give those already in entry level stewardship more cash to look after wildlife, landscapes and historical features.

Other important projects – many of which are carried out by local contractors – will continue and new ones developed.

Peter Welsh, Natural England area manager, said: “The Yorkshire Dales is one of England’s most important landscapes and is a key target area for funding through the agri-environment schemes.

“We want to try to ensure that all those farmers and landowners who are helping to look after it get properly rewarded for their efforts.”

Kevin Lancaster, park authority chairman and upland farmer, said: “The amount of money available to farmers in the park through Natural England’s grant schemes has increased substantially, and is likely to increase further in the coming years.

“These grants have never been more critical. Not only will they help to keep farmers farming, but they will also help to support local businesses and jobs during the economic downturn.”

He said many of the schemes are critical to the survival of many hill farms.

Staff from both organisations can offer advice and help to farmers wanting to enter HLS or other agreements.

The level of park authority involvement is increasing and its staff will now also help deliver new major projects that will bring significant benefits to the landscape.

These include:

● repairs to traditional stone field barns – about half the 4,500 in the park need attention;

● peatland restoration to help tackle climate change and reduce flooding;

● restoration of the 40 or so at risk.