Rewilding, circular farming and the sustainable farming incentive are all discussed in this episode. Host Peter Green is joined by Jim Bliss. a consultant from Cumbria and Hugo Ellis, a regenerative agronomist.
In this episode we’re talking about the ‘R’ word, which still raises eyebrows in some circles – ‘rewilding’ – alongside the concept of ‘circular farming’ and we'll ask how they both fit with the sustainable farming incentive? How could you rewild parts of your farm, what does rewilding really mean today and how can the sustainable farming incentive help you to improve nature value on your farm, alongside your bank balance?
Host Peter Green is joined by Jim Bliss who runs a consultancy called ‘Blissfully Wild’, and worked at the Lowther Estate in Cumbria for a number of years. He’s also a 2023 Nuffield scholar and he did his research on the links between rewilding and marginal farming. Hugo Ellis is also on the panel. Hugo is a regenerative agronomist with regenerative consultancy group Terrafarmer. After studying at Duchy College and working in the dairy industry, Hugo worked as a trials manager for six years across a broad range of crops. He has also lectured in Agronomy and Crop Science and worked as an Assistant Manager on an estate in London.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
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Timestamps
00:14 Peter introduces the episode.
01:41 Jim introduces himself.
02:47 Hugo introduces himself.
04:06 Jim talks about his own journey with rewilding.
06:30 Rewilding at Lowther Estate.
07:48 The power of network and connections.
08:30 Definitions of rewilding and circular farming.
11:10 Is rewilding 'active' or 'passive'
14:08 Diversification through the environment
14:35 The principles of circular farming.
17:00 Partnerships and joint ventures as part of a circular economy.
19:47 The transition - are there issues with transitioning from conventional to another model of farming or managing the land?
21:25 Jim's thoughts on the SFI.
25:00 Tapestry/ patchwork of different elements of habitats.
26:20 Market access to habitat creation. The importance and opportunity of an environmental story.
27:34 Cornish Mutual is running SFI workshops.
27:55 Advice for accessing SFI
30:23 Summing up - how does each guest see the future of land management in the UK evolving and will we see more rewilding on farms in future?
33:46 Showstoppers.
36:06 Peter rounds up the episode.