Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
Some of you may remember that I wrote an article some time ago titled 'Parking a Theme' suggesting some of the ways in which our way of life and agriculture in the UK might change, saying –

 'Our landscape and heritage must be preserved and a vast increase in tourism as a major income source, be encouraged. The horror expressed by the idea that Britain should become a vast 'Theme Park' is really not so bad, once we get used to the idea and start to put plans into action. We will retain many farms but they will have fewer animals and most likely, many will be of the more traditional 'mixed' nature. British farmers will do what they've always done best, rearing rare and special breed animal and vegetable produce, providing disease resistant, sound stock for breeding and cross breeding, around the world in the future.'

We are fortunate to have a few tracts of land in this small country which hold a vast mumber of flora and fauna particular to different habitats in these areas. At the same time, we also have a diversity of livestock also suited to the varied habitats and all them shoud be preserved and cared for.

To know that Norfolk is to receive special care for it's wetlands, woods and meadows in this regard is good news both for us and our visitors!

I notice that Gary is concerned that these plans will line the pockets of the wealthy landowners and cause losses to the small holders. However, I think that is jumping to what may be quite unecessary conclusions.

I am not very knowledgable about the wet-lands in East Anglia and Norfolk in particular, although I do know that some of them have been drained and are used to produce vegetable crops on a vast scale with great success. However, I'm none too sure that these farms are to be returned to natural wet lands but rather that those have not been drained and remain as natural wetlands, are to receive special care to ensure they don't become damaged or altered.

I've visited and enjoyed walking on the fenlands in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk and have been impressed with the care and conservation some of these areas have and are receiving, so if Norfolk is to benefit in the same way that's all to the good.

I know our friend who lived in Suffolk, dear Dot Boag, was also a staunch supporter of the natural world around her and if what was being done was damaging I'm sure she would have spoken out against it!