The Groundswell Festival provides a forum for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems. The Wildlife Trusts will use the occasion to launch a new report with Sustain and the Soil Association called Home-grown: A roadmap to resilient fruit and vegetable production in England. 

The Wildlife Trusts’ tent will be located near the Big Top and will host sessions and conversations over the two days. Topics will include green finance, supply chains, and how to future-proof your farm in the face of a changing climate. 

Barnaby Coupe, Land Use Policy Manager of The Wildlife Trusts, says: 

“Farm businesses across the UK are reeling from the extreme weather of recent years while they’re also having to navigate new payment schemes which reward positive environmental actions – so supporting farmers to adopt sustainable and nature-friendly farming practices is more important than ever. The Wildlife Trusts want to see the budget for nature-friendly farming doubled under the next government in order to secure a resilient food sector in the UK. 

“Our staff and farm advisors are looking forward to talking with farmers and landowners at Groundswell. People will be able to find out more about wildlife-friendly farming methods and our approach to managing almost of 100,000 hectares of land and providing advice to more than 3,000 landowners.” 

The Wildlife Trusts are on the main stages at Groundswell for these events:  

• Home-Grown: How Can UK Horticulture Flourish in the Future? (Wednesday, 12pm, Breakout Tent) where we will be launching a new report setting out recommendations for fruit and veg policy in England 
• ELMS – Where are we now? And where do we need to be? (Wednesday, 2pm, Breakout tent) 
• Regen at Landscape Scale – Partnerships, Opportunities & Pitfalls (Thursday, 4:30pm, Big Top) 

Events in The Wildlife Trusts’ tent 

Wednesday 26 June 

• 11am: What does good Green Finance look like? We speak to industry experts to clarify what ‘good’ green finance is, highlight positive case studies, and what to look out for from “cowboy” schemes.
• 1pm: Floodplains – Farming headache or potential income stream? Many of the UK’s floodplains are still waterlogged after record wet weather, but they have huge potential to be a lucrative income stream for farmers with new payments for nature recovery.
• 3pm: Wilder Weather – Are our farms future proof? We speak to farmers and advisers about how to ensure farm businesses are resilient to extreme weather, and the role of nature-based solutions in adapting to climate change.
• 5pm: In Conversation with Nunwell Home Farm. Join our Chief Executive Craig Bennett in conversation with Hollie & Francesca, who run Nunwell Home Farm, to discuss how regenerative farming can support new farm entrants.

Thursday 27 June 

• 10am: What is wetter farming (Paludiculture)? We explore the wet farming trials run by Lancashire Wildlife Trust, speak to farmers involved about the potential for paludiculture to restore peat soils, and the potential for new innovative businesses. 
• 11am: Maximum Sustainable Output – What does it mean for your farm? A ‘drop-in clinic’ to speak to Nethergill Associates and other farmers about Farming at the Sweet Spot, what Maximum Sustainable Output is, and what it might mean on their farm. 
• 12pm: A Nature Advice Service. We speak to farmers and Wildlife Trust advisers about the importance of on-farm advice for nature outcomes, and the changing role of advisers in helping farmers navigate novel payment schemes and nature-based solutions. 
• 2pm: Supply Chain Partnerships. We speak to retailers and food producers about the role they can play in supporting farmers to manage profitable, sustainable, and resilient farm businesses. 

Our Chief Executive, Craig Bennett, will be at Groundswell for both days – please do contact The Wildlife Trusts if you would like to arrange an interview.