Understanding ELMs: open events with DEFRA

The Nature Friendly Farming Network has planned five events across England to discuss the roll-out of the Environmental Land Management scheme through question and answer sessions with a Defra representative.

Future farm schemes are there to support the sector in its transition to a sustainable, nature-friendly future. But navigating available options and the application process can be overwhelming.

This session is an opportunity for all farmers to:

• Consider how you will make environmental land management work for your business.

• Learn about the range of schemes and grants available, and find which options are suitable for you.

During the session, you will also hear from Cumbrian livestock farmer Nic Renison (Cannerheugh Farm). Listen to her story of transition and change, where she moved the focus from high-production to a whole farm, regenerative approach. This change wasn’t to ‘save the world’ – it simply made the most economic sense.

Nic and her husband now farm eighty 100% grass-fed beef cattle alongside a flock of laying hens and a handful of woodland pigs. The husband-and-wife team also founded ‘Carbon Calling’, a regenerative farming conference in the North of England.

The last decade has been quite the journey for the Renisons, with a complete mindset shift and learning new practical skills. They haven’t used artificial fertilisers or sprays for the past seven years. Instead, they rely on extended rest periods for the grasslands and tree/hedge-planting helps protect the farm’s ecosystem.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-elms-open-event-with-defra-cumbria-tickets-533781092617?fbclid=IwAR1GbVOqXPG_9zPSDeYxab4EMMJKScFmAsTDcL7WYhS9pAtPiaRj9SeiepA