Changes in legislation under the government's Water Bill threaten the future viability of farming, particularly in sandland areas in East Anglia and the Midlands. Nevertheless, there are grounds for optimism, even in areas where irrigation is not an option.

Ecotourism in particular is seen as a way forward. As Rick Keymer of English Nature explained at the UK Irrigation Association conference last week: 'Despite moves to cut water abstraction and reduce time-limited licences in some areas by up to 30 per cent, I believe there are still major opportunities for the UK farming industry. For instance, in appropriate locations such as Sherwood, Breckland and the Suffolk Sandlings, there are chances for heritage creation that in the medium to long-term are likely to offer significant economic opportunities.' Keymer pointed out that tourists spending in the English countryside already amounted to in excess of £9bn annually. Visitors to the New Forest alone totalled 20m generating £120m of economic activity.

He said: 'There are many areas which are rich in cultural heritage and offer opportunities for landowners and farmers to get involved with ecotourism. The public have the time, inclination and money to visit such places and the only limitation is our ability to develop appropriate projects.' Funding for these initiatives is available from a variety of sources including the England Rural Development Programme and agri-environment schemes.

Keymer added: 'While these may not offer huge payments they do provide a known income for a long time period, currently 10 years.'

Topics