We have partnered with Somerset Wildlife Trust,  Mendip District Council, Mendip Hills AONB Service, Mendip Hills Facilitation Group, the National Farmers Union and Selwood Forest Facilitation Group to offer a free programme of workshops on sustainable land management for farmers and land managers across Somerset.

 

  

 

The workshops will aim to help land managers and partners alike better understand the opportunities, different perspectives and issues involved in a variety of approaches to sustainable land management. Key to this will be time at each workshop for discussion, with attendees encouraged to share their own experiences and ideas, and together begin to identify ways to bring about positive change across landholdings and landscapes in Somerset.

The sessions will explore subjects such as Natural Capital, Natural Flood Management, soil health and herbal leys, workshops will also look at the technologies, funding (including green financing and available grants) and support available to achieve farm business goals sustainably. Information will be provided by specialist speakers, including land managers with first-hand experience, as well as relevant industry speakers such as those working in different areas of green financing.

At a time of climate and ecological emergency, the way land is managed by farmers and other landowners/managers will play a substantial role in turning this around. This urgent need for change comes at a time when land, and land managers, are under multiple and substantial pressures on a local, national and global level. Sustainable land management for nature, people and climate will need support at all levels, with everyone having their role to play.

Farm clusters in Somerset, including in Selwood Forest and the Mendip Hills, have already begun this process, by sharing experience and exploring different approaches to help deliver benefits for nature, climate and people.

Paul Morgan, who is a member of the Mendip Hills Facilitation Group says:

“We understand the unique characteristics of the Mendips and want to farm this special landscape sustainably, continuing age-old grazing regimes that benefit nature. We are proud of our products and look to how we can continue our farm business with sustainability right through its production to consumption in local markets.”

Alix Zelly, Somerset Wildlife Trusts’ Farm Cluster Facilitator, adds:

“By joining forces across organisations, we are able to coordinate this programme of workshops to bring together farmers, other land managers, organisations and specialist speakers, to increase understanding of sustainable land management approaches, and start to explore what can work to deliver a sustainable future for people and nature in Somerset.”

All the workshops are free to attend and are offered at a variety of locations on-farm, in communities and online. Booking is essential with the programme designed so that land managers can book onto as many or few workshops as they like.

It is hoped that further sessions will be added to the programme as it progresses, particularly where land managers express an interest in a particular aspect of sustainable land management, so the partners ask that anyone interested keep an eye on the event programme for future events and get in touch if you have ideas on topics or speakers to share.

For more details on how to book your place(s) visit www.somersetwildlife.org/slm-workshops.  A printed flyer is also available outlining all the key booking details, including how to book a place/s by phone (contact Jacob Hall on 07870 581655 at Mendip District Council who can post one to you).