Working in collaboration with Designated Landscape bodies across Wales’s National Parks and National Landscapes \u2014 which cover 25% of Wales \u2014the scheme has already delivered remarkable impact since launching in May 2025. With close to \u00a32m\u00a0allocated, the vast majority as direct support to farmers, it has supported nature recovery across more than 10,000 hectares of Welsh land.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Welsh Government has confirmed \u00a36.5 million for 2026\u201328, with \u00a35.5 million going directly to farmers to carry out on-farm projects. The funding will also enable Designated Landscape bodies to recruit\u00a0additional\u00a0staff, carry out ecological surveys, and provide training and advisory support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ffermio\u00a0Bro places collaboration at its heart \u2014 groups of farmers working together to deliver change at a scale individual action cannot achieve.\u00a0It invests in our most special landscapes and is important in helping shape\u00a0the collaborative layer of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n
During its first year, more than 100,000 trees have been planted, over 37km of hedgerow planted or restored, and 6km of stone walls repaired or built. Important habitats such as ancient woodlands,\u00a0ffridd, and riverside corridors, and iconic species including curlew, adder,\u00a0dormouse\u00a0and otter are now better protected thanks to the commitment of farmers and the\u00a0Ffermio\u00a0Bro teams working alongside them\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Eryri National Park, seven farmers in the Bro\u00a0Machno\u00a0group are using natural flood management techniques to reduce flood risk, restore wetland habitats, and support sustainable land management across the Dyffryn Conwy catchment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Huw\u00a0Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister\u00a0with responsibility\u00a0for\u00a0Climate\u00a0Change & Rural Affairs, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nFfermio\u00a0Bro’s first year has demonstrated\u00a0the power of locally led action\u00a0to support nature-friendly farming\u00a0when farmers and Designated Landscapes work together with a shared vision. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the scheme’s exceptional progress in 2025\/26 and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Hefin Jones, who farms at\u00a0Tyddyn\u00a0Gethin, Bro\u00a0Machno, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nMy experience of\u00a0Ffermio\u00a0Bro this year has been a positive one. I can see the agricultural and environmental benefits of the project work carried out on our farm. Through discussion and developing a joint plan,\u00a0we’ve\u00a0been able to support both the farm system and the environment. The key strength for us has been the one-to-one relationship.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Awel Jones,\u00a0Ffermio\u00a0Bro Adviser, Eryri National Park Authority, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nWorking on\u00a0Ffermio\u00a0Bro \u2014 for example with the Bro\u00a0Machno\u00a0group \u2014 has shown how\u00a0coordinated, catchment-wide action can deliver real results. Our projects here are improving water quality, slowing the flow, and creating space for nature to thrive.\u00a0They’re\u00a0also helping farmers by reducing runoff risks and supporting more sustainable land management. As the local\u00a0Ffermio\u00a0Bro Advisor for\u00a0North East\u00a0Eryri, I’m proud to have played a part in bringing this together.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Farmers across Wales’s National Parks and National Landscapes are encouraged to contact their local Designated Landscape body to explore how they can support nature on their land.\u00a0<\/p>\n