Species Recovery & Regenerative Farming: Cultivating a Future for Nature
Imagine a landscape where thriving farms coexist with abundant wildlife, where sustainable agriculture nurtures both people and planet. At Earth Trust, we’re embarking on an inspiring project to transform our approach to farming and land management, creating a model that enhances biodiversity, supports sustainable food production, and connects people with the power of regenerative agriculture.
Funded by the Species Survival Fund, a partnership between Defra and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project is part of the £1.5 million Partnerships for Nature initiative led by the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Our work showcases the potential of combining traditional farming wisdom with innovative ecological practices to halt and reverse the decline in species abundance.
Background
Within the Earth Trust Farm lies Bessie’s Field, a 26-hectare area that holds immense potential. Once conventionally farmed, this land is now poised to become a living laboratory for regenerative agriculture. As stewards of this land, we recognize the importance of balancing food production with careful management to maximize biodiversity and community engagement.
In the face of changing agricultural policies and environmental challenges, there’s an urgent need for demonstrable, sustainable farming models that can support both farm economics and ecosystem health. With only 50% of the UK’s biodiversity remaining, our project contributes to Defra’s ambitious target to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030 (known as 30by30).
What We Are Doing
Together with our community, we’re seizing the opportunity to pioneer a new approach to farming. We are:
- Transforming Bessie’s Field into a showcase of regenerative agriculture and agroforestry
- reating 8 ha of new flower-rich pasture and 1.5 ha of wildflower infield margins
- Planting 88 m of species-rich hedgerows, 1000 m of fruit tree lines, and 400 native infield trees
- Employing a dedicated Regenerative Farming & Species Recovery Officer to lead engagement and knowledge sharing
- Conducting regular species and habitat surveys to monitor biodiversity improvements
By involving farmers, land managers, and the wider community in every aspect of this transition, we aim to ignite a passion for sustainable agriculture and demonstrate its vital role in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Impact
The regenerative transformation of Bessie’s Field will create a mosaic of habitats supporting a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Wildflowers will flourish, while butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects thrive in this revitalized agricultural landscape.
This project goes beyond ecological restoration; it is a catalyst for change in farming practices across the region. Our community will gain hands-on experience in regenerative agriculture, forging a deep connection between food production and nature conservation. The farm will serve as a living classroom, showcasing sustainable practices and inspiring the next generation of environmentally conscious farmers and land managers.
To ensure the long-term success of this project, we’ll be conducting regular surveys of the farm’s flora and fauna, using rigorous scientific methods to track changes in biodiversity. All of this information will contribute to a growing body of knowledge about sustainable farming practices in our region and support the broader goals of the Species Survival Fund.
Through ongoing partnerships, knowledge sharing, and the reinvestment of income from sustainable farming practices, Earth Trust will ensure the long-term vitality of this precious agricultural habitat.
“Only by creating bigger and better habitats for wildlife will we be able to halt the alarming decline in species loss.”
Environment Minister Rebecca Pow
By harnessing the power of regenerative agriculture, we aim to inspire farmers and communities to take action, addressing the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable food production. This Species Recovery & Regenerative Farming project is a testament to the transformative potential of connecting people with nature through innovative land management, one green space at a time.
Partnerships for Nature
This project is 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. Ours is one of seven sites where conservation effort will be focussed, kick-starting delivery against this plan.
The Partnerships for Nature programme, and our project, is 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.
