Brexit could bring opportunities to the Shropshire countryside, according to a new five-year plan.

The partnership which manages the Shropshire Hills says new domestic agricultural policy and funding arrangements could benefit the region.

But it also notes uncertainties regarding trade deals and upland farming.

The comments form part of the partnership’s five-year management plan for the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) with the future of farming being on its key topics.

It says: “Brexit brings opportunities in the development of new domestic agricultural policy and funding arrangements which could serve our countryside better.

“There are also uncertainties, such as regarding trade deals, especially for the

sheep sector. Upland farming, with a higher dependence on income from

government schemes, will be particularly affected by new schemes.

“This is all overlain on longer-term structural changes, such as the growth in large and small holdings along with a reduction in the number of medium-sized farms.”

The five-year plan aims to conserve and enhance the Shropshire Hills, which includes Stiperstones, the Wrekin and the Long Mynd areas.

In particular, it wants to look at large scale farm developments.

But it also wants to look at encouraging grazing to maintain open habitats in good condition, and high standards of management and more tree planting to ensure soil remains in good condition.

The plan continues: “Farming and land management remains key to the economy of the Shropshire Hills, employing more than a quarter of its residents, and providing a higher proportion of the jobs actually within the AONB.

“Pasture-fed livestock is the main activity, with some more arable and dairying in the lower lying fringes of the area.

“Food production will remain an important objective in the AONB, but the many other public benefits from land management also need to influence how this is carried out.

“The long-term capacity to continue producing food depends on looking after natural capital (such a soils, clean water and pollinators) as well as social capital (e.g. by promoting farm support networks, encouraging succession, and retaining and developing skills).”

The plan will be discussed by members of the partnership when they meet next Tuesday [DEL OCT 23] with a view to going out to consultation in the coming weeks.

It should be signed off by Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council in the spring.

At the same meeting, the partnership will also look to shake up the terms of reference, including creating a structure diagram and raising the number of membership seats from 41 to 45.

There are also plans for the management board to be renamed the strategy and performance committee and to amend its functions, while the chairman and vice chairman will be appointed for three years instead of two.