Caroline Hanks, Rory Johnson and Sue Holland discussed the basics of restoring land to a wildflower meadow. For those interested in meadow making or already involved in the process, the talk explained the key steps. This included how to prepare the land for seeding, where to source wildflower seeds and when to introduce grazing stock. A range of equipment and… Read more →
On 8th April the White Peak Farmers group hosted the first talk of their new Networks for Nature: Facilitating Collaborative Farming webinar series. The discussion looked at how the collaborative approach adopted by Farmer Facilitation Groups around the country is leading to impressive results on the ground. The talk began with Natural England’s Brian McDonald, Manager of the Countryside Stewardship… Read more →
The 2021 Great British Wildflower Hunt has just begun and this year Plantlife have developed a new, free surveying app ‘Survey123’ so that participants can use their smart phones to collect and submit their wildflower data. Over the sping and summer Plantlife will run four different Hunts with over 70 different iconic British Wildflowers to look out for. This is… Read more →
On 9th March Tom Blunt, from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), gave a comprehensive overview of the role that native rare breeds can play in conservation and regenerative grazing systems. A large number of different livestock options were discussed including; sheep, goats, cattle, equines and pigs. Tom explained some of the differences between species and breeds and their pros… Read more →
Applications for the 2022 Countryside Stewardship scheme opened on 9th February. There are options for those who’ve never been, or are no longer, in a scheme as well as new “Offers” and Capital grants too. There are several important changes in this round including broadening the options available and making these easier to apply for. There are many grassland options… Read more →
Dr Trevor Dines is Plantlife’s botanical specialist. In a recent webinar presentation he talks about his personal experience of creating a wildflower meadow in North Wales. Watch this uplifting, informative and inspirational talk again here. Read more →
As part of their Meadow Makers project, Plantlife are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with a strong interest in conservation to work as a Trainee Meadow Maker with Herefordshire Meadows. The position will be fully paid (based on the National Living Wage of £8.91/hr), is full-time and will last for six months, from April to September 2021. All interested applicants… Read more →
Regenerative farmer Russ Carrington, previously General Manager of the Pasture fed Livestock Association (PFLA), has just been appointed as a farm manager on the Burrell family’s Knepp Estate in West Sussex to scope out and oversee a new regenerative farming enterprise. Knepp Estate has become widely known for its bold rewilding project, but the new regenerative farm is being set… Read more →
Dr Christine Jones is an internationally renowned and highly respected groundcover and soils ecologist. She has a wealth of experience working with innovative landholders to implement regenerative land management practices that enhance biodiversity, increase biological activity, sequester carbon, activate soil nutrient cycles, restore water balance, improve productivity and create new topsoil. In a recent webinar on 11th February Dr… Read more →
