A scheme that encourages farmers to collaborate on actions such as enhancing peatlands is open for applications.

The Welsh government is developing the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS) and has given farmers and land managers until 27 September to apply to be part of that.

It is an interim scheme that will help shape the collaborative element of Wales’ new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)

Although it is separate from the SFS, the government says it will be used to inform the collaborative element of that and will get projects in place in readiness for its launch.

Welsh Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies said the projects that will be considered for inclusion should be those that improve Wales’ natural resources in a way which delivers benefits to farm and rural businesses and rural communities, and have wider societal benefits.

“The scheme has been developed to focus on collaborative action - enabling farmers and land managers to do something they do very well – which is working together to deliver innovative solutions,’’ he said.

Projects could include flood risk management, creating and managing woodland, improving access and public engagement and protecting landscape and historic features.

The government is also looking for applications that propose actions to enhance priority and semi-natural habitats and improve the scale and diversity of semi-natural habitats and natural features.

Also considered will be projects that strengthen the resilience of Wales’ network of protected sites with actions carried out at a landscape scale to improve their connectivity and condition.

Further information is available at gov.wales/integrated-natural-resources-scheme-rules-booklet-html