Latest Neonics Derogation Application Rejected

A few weeks ago I gave a coursework presentation with a few fellow student colleagues at the RAU on the subject of the neonics moratorium in Europe, the implications it has had for farmers and crucially how they have adapted their practice. As part of the research process we were approached by a number ofContinueContinue reading “Latest Neonics Derogation Application Rejected”

Thanks for telling us your position NFU but it won’t influence how I vote

After a long debate earlier this week the National Farmers Union council voted overwhelmingly to support the campaign to remain within the European Union. The following resolution was agreed: “The NFU Council resolves that on the balance of existing evidence available to us at present, the interests of farmers are best served by our continuingContinueContinue reading “Thanks for telling us your position NFU but it won’t influence how I vote”

Visiting the Knepp Estate: A Lesson in Rewilding

Transitional, innovative, exciting, restorative, unique, both agriculturally and economically sensical and questionable concurrently and all in all, a little bit mad! The rewilding project at the Knepp Castle Estate in Sussex, spearheaded by estate owner Charlie Burrell and his superb team, is all of these things and more. My visit yesterday, the first time IContinueContinue reading “Visiting the Knepp Estate: A Lesson in Rewilding”

Our Place in Time and the Subtleties of Changing Landscapes

Bordering the north eastern most part of our farm at Walton Hall, Walton-on-the-Naze lies an area of low lying land, owned by the District Council and protected from regular flooding by the natural, rapidly eroding cliff. This small section of eroding cliff face also protects a water treatment works which serves thousands of local people,ContinueContinue reading “Our Place in Time and the Subtleties of Changing Landscapes”

Coastal Farming and Uncertain Futures

As I have often mentioned in previous blog posts my family farms low lying land on the Essex coast. It is a beautiful (if rapidly urbanising) part of the world but it certainly has it’s challenges, one of which is ensuring the future viability of our 3 miles of sea walls. In 2010 the EnvironmentContinueContinue reading “Coastal Farming and Uncertain Futures”