The Farmer Network To the northeast of Carlisle lie a number of rural communities which are home to some of the remotest farms in England – known as the Forgotten Lands. This is due to a combination of the reduction in support payments, and what they see as a “tidal wave” of Sitka Spruce plantations taking over the area. For example, in Bewcastle Parish, more than 40% of land is either already spruce plantation or about to be planted. With farming incomes falling due to the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme, landlords are taking land back to plant with commercial woodland and not reletting to farm tenants. As a result, the farming community feels forgotten and under threat. The Forgotten Lands project has enabled farmers in the area to get together at workshops run by the Farmer Network on topics related to grassland management and environmental schemes. They receive advice to help them improve efficiency and maximise income from environmental schemes. Just as importantly, it has enabled the farmers to have social contact with each other, benefit from learning from other farmers and to feel part of a community. This is probably the most important outcome of the project at a time when mental health among the farming community remains a real concern. In a recent national survey of farmers and agricultural workers, nine out of 10 respondents (91%) stated that poor mental health was the 'biggest hidden problem' facing the industry today. The Farmer Network ensures workshops are tailored to the unique farms in this area. In the initial phase, workshops were attended by 45 farmers from 38 farms, including young farmers starting out in business. One farmer said: CASE STUDY Fetching groups of farmers to work together in one area builds trust and shared knowledge. Our Forgotten Lands group is great for our mental health and community spirit. It is a concept that needs to be expanded throughout the country at this challenging time.” AGEING WELL This chapter summarises the different aspects of life that people say are influencing whether or not they are able to ‘age well’. The chapter also provides examples of how Carlisle organisations are working to create ‘Age Friendly' communities, creating environments where older people can enjoy life, are valued, feel safe, and have access to quality health care and support.1 The chapter also reflects upon the challenges that organisations say are limiting their ability to help older people ‘age well’. These include the rising numbers of older people living in poverty, those with poor physical health and mental health, those with limited social networks, those living in rural areas, and the additional pressures being exerted on overstretched healthcare, social care and welfare systems. The eight interconnected domains set out by the WHO Age-friendly Cities to help identify and address barriers to the wellbeing and participation of older people. 43 42 Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025
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