Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Farmer stops ploughing south downs wildlife site
11 April 1997
A South Downs farmer has agreed to stop ploughing up one of the country's most valuable wildlife sites following protests and demonstrations by Friends of the Earth and local people. The agreement, given to the police, followed angry scenes after the farmer ploughed around two thirds of the land - part of Clayton to Offham Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), near Lewes - on Thursday night.
Farmer Harmer decided to plough up the SSSI - home to 11 species of scarce orchid -
because the Agriculture Ministry would pay him up to 590 per hectare for the crop, as opposed to 40 per hectare (under the Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme) for keeping it as a wildlife-rich chalk grassland.
When it learnt of the plans, Friends of the Earth asked Environment Minister John Gummer to impose an Emergency Nature Conservation Order on the site but following Thursday night's ploughing, a delegation from Friends of the Earth, led by Director Charles Secrett,went to the site to confront the farmer. They were joined by local people and organisations.Farmer Harmer then informed the Police that because of the outcry he would not plough any more of the SSSI.
Charles Secrett, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said:
"Whilst we are pleased that Mr Harmer has agreed not to plough any more of this precious chalk grassland, two thirds has already been trashed. However,the blame for this damage must lie with the Agriculture Department for financially encouraging farmers to destroy our finest wildlife sites. The policy must be changed now before any more damage is done."
"Friends of the Earth is still calling on John Gummer to impose an Emergency Nature Conservation Order on the site to safeguard what is left. Furthermore,the South Downs should be given National Park-style status to provide proper protection for the area."
[Index]
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Dec 2008
