Crossword Genius

Things protecting quiet farming areas - farmer’s heading away (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shields

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'things' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'protecting quiet farming areas farmer's heading away' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'quiet' could be 'sh' (both can be said to tell someone to be quiet) and 'sh' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shields that I've seen before include "More than one buckler, maybe" , "Escutcheons" , "Protects or hides from danger" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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