Tir Gofal is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's agri-environment programme and is a scheme available on farmed land throughout Wales, which rewards farmers for caring for the environment, historical and cultural features on their land. The scheme is delivered in partnership with a number of other organisations including the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission, CADW and Local and National Park Authorities. Tir Gofal builds on the experience of previous schemes, such as Environmentally sensitive areas and Tir Cymin. It is designed to support the farming community in protecting the rich heritage of rural Wales and reflect the Welsh assembly Government's priorities for sustainable farming, coupled with greater opportunities for public enjoyment of the countryside. Agreements apply to the whole farm and last for ten years with a break clause after five years.

In Carmarthenshire there are 600 Tir Gofal agreements with new schemes being looked at for signing by March 2008. Schemes are helping to meet targets for restoration and improving condition of a number of key habitats such as species-rich grasslands, bogs, woodland and hedgerows. In addition, important species in the county can be helped through Tir Gofal. The Brown Hairstreak Butterfly project has visited a number of Tir Gofal farms to survey for this rare butterfly and where eggs and suitable habitat are identified can advise on appropriate hedgerow management to further enhance the population of the key species in the county.