A SCHEME that helps sheep farmers to protect wildlife will continue after landing a £3m windfall.

The Sheep and Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (SWES), launched last year by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and English Nature, provides financial support to farmers who manage the land.

Its initial budget of £2.5m directly benefited wildlife and sheep farmers on 25,000 hectares of land in many parts of England, including Durham, North Yorkshire and Northumberland.

This year, SWES will use its £3m budget to tackle both undergrazing and overgrazing to keep wildlife habitats in good health.

Project manager Dan Hunt said: "This scheme is about finding practical solutions for balancing sheep farming and wildlife. We are helping farmers deliver real change for wildlife and improve the viability of their farm business as well."