FARMERS in one the country's most archaeologically and environmentally rich areas have signed an agreement saving hundreds of acres from the threat of intensive agriculture.
Special protection has been given to land next to the Avebury and Stonehenge World Heritage Sites, which contains a wealth of treasures ranging from burial mounds to ancient fields and world famous stone circles.
Arable farmland in archaeological sensitive spots will be transformed into grassland which will have the added benefit of protecting and encouraging the variety of wildlife which thrives in and around the sites.
The moves are part of a countryside stewardship programme launched last October by environment minister Michael Meacher.
The farmers were encouraged to enter a 10-year agreement and be paid up to £555 per hectare of land involved.
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