Independent Farm
Advice Service
About Skylark
I specialise in working with farmers to maximise
the environmental potential of their land while supporting the farm
business.
I provide a range of services including Agri-environment scheme advice and applications (Countryside Stewardship, Sustainable Farming Incentive, Capital grants); habitat and species surveys and advice; soil management; meeting regulatory requirements; workshops; training and assurance schemes.
I have been providing farm advice for over 17 years in Hampshire and surrounding areas. I am a member of BASIS Environmental Advisers Register and a member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. I have BSc in Ecology, as well as holding certificates in BASIS Foundation in Agronomy, Soil and Water Management and Conservation Management. I have over 12 years experience of working on agri-environment schemes as well as delivery of independent grant schemes and partnership projects.
How can we help you?
Agri-Environment Schemes
Pre-entry Farm Review
An initial visit to your farm to discuss the different scheme requirements, priorities for your area and to identify potential options that you may like to consider in your application. A short report will be produced to help inform your future application.
SFI, Countryside Stewardship and Capital Grant Applications
With over 12 years in undertaking successful agri-environment scheme applications, I will work with you to design an application that meets the priorities for the area. Maximising your chances of a successful agreement, while working with the requirements of your farm business.
Application Check
If you prefer to carry out your own application I provide an application check service, ensuring the forms have been completed as required and advising on whether the options chosen fit with the priorities for the area, maximising your chances of a successful application.
Stewardship/SFI MOT
Helping you to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your Countryside Stewardship or SFI agreement. Providing reassurance on compliance with the regulatory requirements together with advice on how to maximise the environmental benefits of your scheme.
Access to support schemes
A wide variety of grants are now available to farmers in order to help support
environmental management.
From SFI, Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier to Higher Tier, Capital Grants and Woodland Support Grants, through to Farming in Protected Landscapes, Farming Investment Fund, Water Company grant schemes.
With over 10 years of experience in undertaking successful agri-environment scheme applications as well as working with Catchment Sensitive Farming and Water Companies to implement and deliver grant schemes, I can advise you on funding opportunities available, help you to decide what is right for your farm and assist from application to delivery.
Soil Management
Provide advice on diffuse pollution and resource protection including compliance with the Farming Rules for Water.
Farm Advice Training and
Workshops
Experienced in arranging and delivering training and workshops on a range of topics both independently and on behalf of organisations, water companies and Catchment Sensitive Farming.
Recent events have included:
- hedgerow management
- soil management
- biobeds and pesticide handling
- equine pasture management
- farm pollinators
- integrated Pest Management
- trees on Farms
