A farmer located in one of Cumbria's most remote valleys has shared his excitement at being part of a pioneering project which may shape the future of fell farming.
53-year-old Patrick Deady is part of an exciting collaboration of farmers and environmental organisations working to restore nature in the picturesque Duddon Valley.
The Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project is a DEFRA-funded scheme linking tenanted National Trust farms surrounding Hardknott Forest - which is also being rewilded by Forest England.
READ MORE: The remote Furness valley leading the way in landscape recovery
The is one of 22 successful projects selected across England, however the South Lakes project is unique as it's not just working to conserve one or two species, but is aiming to restore whole eco systems on a landscape level.
The aim is to also give fell farmers a sustainable and resilient future by providing financial incentives to improve biodiversity.
"It's a really exciting project," said Patrick. "I was contacted by Professor Dom Spracklen from Leeds University who is the project lead.
"Dom is a really forward-thinking fella, we went for a brew and I found the whole idea really attractive.
"I've always been interested in nature and wanted to move away from synthetics and plastics etc, and not only is this an inspiring project but it also provides income. "
According to the State of Nature Report 2023, the UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Patrick believes that farmers can play a pivotal role in helping change this.
He added: "Farmers have a really good overview because when you live in the landscape, you notice the changes.
"I lived in France for around ten years and when I came back to the area I realised, there' are some species you notice, they're just not there any more.
"There are so many surveyors and experts that you interact with, farmers can see what changes are being made in different eco systems, how it is benefitting farming and the public can also see how the money is being used."
He believes that this collaborative effort is the way forward for fell farmers and can this working where other schemes have failed.
He said: "In the past, I don't think there was enough money to see real change and there was always a financial incentive for farmers to have as many sheep possible - which has affected the eco system through intensive sheep grazing.
"This approach is about less intensity but is still productive. The scheme is quite adaptive too - farmers can do as little or as much as they want in terms of biodiversity.
"It's not about twisting anyone's arm and the financial rewards are greater for what you do.
"It's not about telling people off for the past either, people have wanted financial security and followed policy.
"There's so much bad in the world at the moment and this is really a positive thing for the future.
"Looking out at all the green fells and crags, this area is really heaven sent and I'm very lucky to be part of such a project.
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