National Trust find their ‘£1 a year’ farmer

You may remember that, earlier this year, when Brexit still looked like a bizarre fantasy, the National Trust began an international search for a farmer to manage a 145 acre farm on the Great Orme near Llandudno in Wales. Famously, the rent offer was for just £1 a year. The Trust feared that the farmContinue reading "National Trust find their ‘£1 a year’ farmer"

Autumn walk

The skin on the palms of hands tingles and my fingers burn in the way that only happens when the first real cold of the season comes upon us. This weekend it well and truly arrived. I had promised myself that I would make it down to the Mendips, but, with a few things sadlyContinue reading "Autumn walk"

Cold, bright weather – a perfect time for walking

It looks as if we are heading into a spell of cold and bright weather here in the west country. Especially at this time of year it provides a wonderful climate for walking and I intend to make the most of it this weekend, heading out to the Mendips for a ramble. Exact destination notContinue reading "Cold, bright weather – a perfect time for walking"

Conservation 21: the ‘new’ conservation strategy for the 21st century

Last month, Natural England published their new strategy (available here). In essence, many of the things included within it have been said before, either by them or by the environmental NGOs. However, it comes as a breath of fresh air to see everything in a single NE document, and one that gives us a clueContinue reading "Conservation 21: the ‘new’ conservation strategy for the 21st century"

What’s the future for Oil Seed Rape?

It won't come as a shock to many to hear that the year thus far has been incredibly warm and dry, particularly in the south and east of the UK. Back in September, Gravesend in Kent faced temperatures of 34.4 degrees celsius, the hottest September day in more than 100 years. Other areas have sufferedContinue reading "What’s the future for Oil Seed Rape?"