TIR GOFAL - the agri-environment scheme for Wales

What is Tir Gofal?

The Tir Gofal agri-environment scheme was introduced in 1999 as a scheme that aims to integrate whole farm environmental and agricultural management under a single agreement. The scheme is administered by the Countryside Council for Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. Application forms for Tir Gofal are available from the offices of the Countryside Council for Wales throughout the country.

Tir Gofal and the Historic Environment

An important aspect of Tir Gofal is the management of our rich cultural heritage. Most of the archaeology of Wales is found on farmland. Throughout the past the people of Wales lived on the land and made it what it is now. Today's farmers continue this tradition. As well as shaping Wales for the future modern farmers are guardians of our past. As part of the Tir Gofal scheme farmers can obtain payments for managing archaeological and historic features on their land.

Dyfed Archaeological Trust and Tir Gofal

Dyfed Archaeological Trust has a number of roles within the Tir Gofal scheme. We are consulted by the Countryside Council for Wales regarding the archaeological interest on every farm that applies to join the Tir Gofal scheme within Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. As part of this consultation process, details of site locations and descriptions, historic landscape information and management advice is provided in the form of an Historic Environment 1 (HE1) report. This process enables the farmer to manage the historic environment in an appropriate way. This aspect of our work within the Tir Gofal scheme is funded by Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments. Where specific management concerns arise Dyfed Archaeological Trust is commissioned by CCW to undertake a walk-over survey of the farm. This enables Dyfed Archaeological Trust to provide very specific management advice in light of the current condition of the archaeology.

The remains of a cottage survive as low earthwork banks and deposits of rubble.

Tir Gofal Enquiries Free help and advice

If you farm in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion or Pembrokeshire you can contact the Historic Environment Record in Llandeilo for information about the archaeology that is already known on your farm and you can tell us what you know about historic features you have encountered on your land. Once you have applied to join Tir Gofal, every farm will be supplied with an Historic Environment Report 1 (HE1). At any point during the scheme you can contact Dyfed Archaeological Trust for further information and advice about the management of historic features on your farm.

Tir Gofal Historic Environment Assessments and Farm Surveys

Historic Environment Reports (HE1)

Dyfed Archaeological Trust is consulted by Countryside Council for Wales on every Tir Gofal application. Information is provided to CCW in the form of an Historic Environment report (HE1). The HE1 report identifies all sites recorded in the Regional Historic Environment Record and provides management advice on these, in addition the HE1 also provides key management objectives for the farmed landscape. This report also highlights areas of archaeological potential where no previous archaeological work has been undertaken. The HE1 is also the mechanism whereby the Head of Heritage Management can recommend that an archaeological survey of the farm should be undertaken.

Farm Visits and Historic Environment Reports (HE2)

Tir Gofal contains provision for an archaeological survey visit to 20% of all farms within the scheme resulting in the provision of an Historic Environment 2 report (HE2). The HE2 process entails documentary research in the HER and, where time and resources allow, visits to record offices and libraries. This research is followed by a walk-over survey of the farm targeting sites identified from the documentary research. The HE2 report contains detailed descriptions and management advice based on information obtained from visits to specific archaeological sites and features. The farm visits also result in the identification of previously unrecorded sites.

Call Out Visits

A farm visit can also be undertaken at the request of CCW to address specific management issues, such as pond creation or traditional building restoration. In these circumstances a Call Out Report is produced which provides targeted management advice.

This Carmarthenshire barn and adjoining stable have been restored with Tir Gofal funds

Archaeology Training Days for Tir Gofal Project Officers

Dyfed Archaeological Trust is also involved, along with the three other Welsh Archaeological Trusts, in the training of Countryside Council for Wales Tir Gofal Project Officers. We contribute to day schools designed to enable Project Officers to identify areas of concern within the historic environment and to understand archaeological management recommendations. This training process enables the Tir Gofal team at Dyfed Archaeological Trust to work closely with the Tir Gofal Project Officers to offer the best management advice possible even when there is no opportunity to visit the archaeological sites.