Trailer journey highlights challenges and opportunities
Villagers were treated to a fascinating insight into local farming practices at Weston Farm on 22 June.
Mark Rowden and Colin Hedley gave a detailed commentary about the range of activities on the farm and answered questions as the special seated trailer travelled through the landscape.
As well as learning about what crops are grown and what they are used for, there was a focus on conservation and environmental practices followed by some fascinating examples of diversification.
The farm is part of the South Downs Farmers Cluster Group which stretches from Warnford to Chilgrove. About twenty farms work collaboratively and with partner organisations so that they can achieve and deliver more together than they would be able to on their own.
All the farms are motivated by a respect for the landscape of the South Downs and they share a passion to farm in a way which delivers public benefits, including high quality, affordable food, as well as enhancing the natural environment and local wildlife.
The group works closely with Portsmouth Water to help reduce nitrate impacts and risks to water quality.
Weston Farm currently devotes about 20% of its land to environmental schemes and is hoping that these will continue into 2026 and beyond once there is greater clarity about the country’s future Sustainable Farming Incentive funding schemes.
