Chance for a new farmer

AN opportunity has arisen near Mouswald for a new entrant to farming.

Forestry Land Scotland (FLS) is seeking applications from anyone interested in taking on Blountfield for five years.

It runs to 15 hectares and the main objective is to achieve good management of the vegetation and prevent the increase of rank vegetation.

FLS say: “The desired output is a short grazed sward with control of species such as rose bay willowherb and gorse.

“FLS invite proposals from parties who would be interested in undertaking the grazing management of this area, subject to conditions.”

Entry will be from April and the agreement will be a SLDT.

Commenting, Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “I am pleased to see that Forestry and Land Scotland has found locations and made them available to young farmers and new entrants to the industry.

“I would urge young farmers and new entrants to assess what is being offered and to take the opportunity to take advantage of this boost to their fledgling careers.”

FLS is exploring ways to further expand the range of sites available in future years by integrating farming opportunities into strategic plans for the National Forests and Land.

Forestry and Land Scotland manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers.

In addition, FLS currently manages 225 existing agriculture agreements on Scotland’s national forests and land, covering 24,751 hectares.

Go to their website for more information about taking on Blountfield.