The Blackstairs Mountains and hinterlands are experiencing socio-economic decline. An aging farmer population and low incomes from existing hill farming outputs

The Blackstairs Mountains and hinterlands are experiencing socio-economic decline. An aging farmer population and low incomes from existing hill farming outputs are leading to an increased risk of land abandonment. The intervention rationale in the Blackstairs is based on the need to reduce the threats to the achievement of favourable status of semi-natural habitats and associated species of conservation concern including iconic species such as red grouse and other upland birds. Blackstairs Farming Futures proposes to develop a new revenue stream for commonage farmers in the Blackstairs Mountains for the delivery of eco-system services through active participation in habitat management of semi-natural habitats for red grouse and wider upland biodiversity. Interventions will be designed in a way that provides co-benefits for water and biodiversity through maintenance and enhancement of water quality and water regulation in the catchment