Reconnecting the Culm

Culm grassland is a rare and unique habitat only found in Devon and Cornwall. It supports many of the most threatened species, such as the Marsh Fritillary, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawk-moth and Double Line moth.There has been a significant decline in Culm grassland, with almost 50% of the grassland being lost between 1984 and 1991. Only 4000 hectares of Culm grassland remain today. The species that rely on this habitat have suffered similar declines.

The Re-connecting the Culm project aims to support landowners in the management of Culm habitats by providing farming and wildlife advice across farm. The project assists landowners in securing Environmental Stewardship Grant agreements. These agreements ensure that environmental features found on the farm are managed sensitively and that landowners are financially rewarded for this additional work.

The project helps by

• Providing free advice and assistance in the management of Culm habitats

• Advice on how to get Agri-environment Grants

• Providing grazing links between those with cattle and those in need of grazing

So far over 80 landowners have been visited, with farming and wildlife advice given that affects over 6000 hectares. Sympathetic management has been achieved on 480 hectares of high quality grassland. The creation of 96 hectares of Culm habitat from arable land and forestry plantation means that species which depend on Clum habitats can be preserved for future generations.

Contact

Email your comments or queries to Peter Burgess, Reconnecting the Culm Project Officer.

Funders

Esmée Fairbairn, The Environment Agency, Natural England, Exmoor National Park Authority, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor Trust, Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund

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