Farmers given option of removing stiles under SFS scheme

STILES, so long a staple of the Welsh countryside, could start disappearing under a new financial support scheme for farmers.

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Landowners can choose to remove them, or replace them with gates, to improve public access to farmland.

The Welsh Government hopes this will enable more people to “enjoy the health and well-being benefits of exploring nature and our farmed environment”.

Removing stiles is among the many options farmers can choose to implement under the industry’s new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). Published on July 15, and seven years in the making, the controversial scheme offers greener farm subsidies in return for carrying out environmental work.

Other options include installing seats at viewpoints, and erecting information boards. Theses boards could describe local landscape features or deliver educational messages, such as the importance of closing gates.