FARMERS are looking after 79 historic monuments in Lincolnshire, ranging from prehistoric barrows to Medieval villages.

The landowners have joined an environmental stewardship scheme, run by the Government adviser Natural England, to protect the scheduled monuments which were previously at risk.

Examples of the sites that have become protected since the stewardship scheme began in 2005 include medieval settlements at Rand, near Wragby, and at Apley, near Market Rasen, and the site of the 12th century St Mary of Orford Nunnery and village near Market Rasen.

Orford was sold to an anonymous bidder for £75,000 at auction earlier this year.

Also protected are the remains of a Roman villa west of Scampton Cliff Farm and numerous burial barrows across the county.

Skellingthorpe duck decoy, which dates from the 18th century, is also covered. In its heyday, tame decoy ducks would lead wild duck along pipes, to be driven into nets by terriers.

National Farmers' Union spokesman for Lincolnshire Alison Pratt said the schemes provided farmers with guaranteed incomes per hectare.

"It is encouraging that farmers are thinking more carefully about how they can use their land while still producing the great food Lincolnshire is renowned for and with consideration for the county's wildlife and heritage," she said.

Landowners can sign an access option ensuring the public can still visit protected sites.

Last year, stewardship enabled 11th century surface traces of buildings at Castle Bytham, near Grantham, to be conserved and protected through controlling tree and shrub growth.

"Natural England advised me how to protect this precious monument and provided funding to do this," said landowner Ronald Crawford.

"They helped me to introduce cattle grazing on to the land to create an ideal habitat for a variety of species. Now the castle looks really good – it's an asset to the farm."

The scheme is also backed by Lincolnshire County Council, whose member for cultural services Councillor Eddy Poll said: "It is incredibly important to preserve this county's scheduled ancient monuments."

Natural England's regional historic environment adviser Elaine Willett said the Heritage at Risk Register had proved a valuable tool in helping to target monuments for stewardship.

"Every farm has played its part in the history of this country and many still bear fascinating traces of the past," she said.