Farms based within the Gower National Landscape (formerly Gower AONB) are set to work with Swansea Council to help improve the region and boost biodiversity.
The Council has received funding through the Welsh Government ‘Ffermio Bro’ programme – a national scheme that supports farming projects across Wales’ National Parks and National Landscapes, that make improvements for nature and the environment.
The Ffermio Bro programme will operate over three years until 2028 across all designated landscapes in Wales and will benefit from an investment of £1.5million.
In Swansea, a grant of more than £100,000 will be invested in the first year (2025/26) and will include a newly appointed Farms Advisor who will work with the council’s GNL team, with the aim of working in partnership with farm owners to develop new projects.
It’s hoped the scheme will support environmental, nature recovery and climate mitigation projects that maintain and enhance the resilience of ecosystems and the benefits they provide.
Farms could also benefit as businesses, by becoming more sustainable and resilient.
Visitors to Gower will also get the opportunity to discover different aspects of the region, as well as enjoy and understand more about the designated landscapes and their cultural heritage.
Projects such as woodland restoration, invasive non-native species removal, supporting wildlife species and habitats and flood management could feature as future schemes.
Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The Gower National Landscape is vitally important, not only to Swansea but also as part of the wider national landscapes in Wales.
“Farms play a huge part in how the region exists, providing not only a destination for visitors, but also as a place to live and work for residents, as well as being a home for many species of wildlife.
“This Welsh Government funded programme will give us the opportunity to work more closely with farms and farm owners over the next few years, helping them to develop projects that improve Gower.
“I’m looking forward to how this programme develops and seeing the benefits that will come from it for years to come.”
