LANCASHIRE farmers could be missing out on government conservation grants, according to a farming charity.

The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group blamed complicated paperwork and lack of training for the problem.

Jeff Simpkin, farm conservation adviser, said: "Someone who wishes to restore hedges may be right in thinking it would be appropriate for a Countryside Stewardship grant. "But he may miss out on grants for cleaning out ponds, pollarding willows or managing field margins."

The Countryside Stewardship Campaign was launched on April 1, 1996, and is designed to restore local habitats such as hedgerows, ponds and meadows.

Mr Simpkin said too many farmers missed out on the grant because of complicated paperwork and a lack of training to look at familiar land with an objective eye.

FWAG is a charity which offers help and advice to farmers to make the most of available grants.

The Lancashire FWAG adviser can be contacted at Myerscough College on 01995 640611.

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