Fields full of life – nature and food working together 

Earth Trust is making big changes in two of its fields to show how nature and food can thrive together. Wildflowers, fruit trees, and nut trees are being planted to create homes for birds, bees, and butterflies—while producing apples, pears, plums, hazelnuts, and chestnuts for people to enjoy. 

What’s new? 

• Wildflower strips now run through the fields, bringing colour and food for pollinators. These strips also help with natural pest control: insects living there will prey on crop pests, reducing the need for chemical sprays. 

• Fruit and nut trees—including heritage varieties of apple, pear, and plum—will provide blossom for wildlife and food for harvest. 

• Trees for shade and shelter will help grazing animals and create habitats for birds and insects. 

• New hedgerows add safe corridors for wildlife and berries for birds. 

Later this year, visitors will be able to explore these changes on a new nature-friendly walk, with more paths and information boards coming in 2026. It’s a chance to see how farming and nature can work hand in hand—and to spot butterflies, bees, and birds along the way. 

Simon Atkinson, Earth Trust’s Director of Land Management, said:
“This is regenerative farming in action—working with nature, not against it. By planting trees, wildflowers, and hedgerows, we’re creating healthier soils, more wildlife, and food for people. It’s about showing that farming can be productive and good for the environment at the same time.”

These changes are part of Earth Trust’s vision for our landscape to be a Gateway to Nature, which will transform the site into a welcoming destination for families and visitors, with better access, new trails, and spaces to connect with nature.

The improvements are possible due to the support of our funders, whose support is helping to create a healthier, more wildlife-rich landscape for everyone. 

The habitat improvements in our two fields are part of the Partnerships for Nature programme which is led and administered by the North Wessex Downs National Landscape Partnership (NWDNL). The NWDNL published a Nature Recovery Plan identifying priorities to restore nature in the protected landscape. Our fields are one of seven sites where conservation effort is focussed, kick-starting delivery against this plan.  The Partnerships for Nature programme, and the habitat improvements in our two fields, are funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by DEFRA and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.  

The new nature-friendly farming walk and additional habitat improvements are being supported by: North Wessex Downs Landscape Partnership’s Access for All programme and Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE) with funding from South Oxfordshire District Council Community Infrastructure Levy Fund.

We are very grateful for the support from our funders.

Find out more  here.