Harnessing creativity, education and healing, these once-conventional farms are evolving
As more UK farmers find their livelihoods under strain, and the health benefits of being in nature now indisputable, more and more once-traditional farms are undergoing a process of reinvention.
Offering everything from outdoor science lessons and summer camps, to glamping and nature-based projects, here are three farmers who are using their land to serve communities in creative ways.
The Barn KT9, on the outskirts of London, was created by fourth-generation tenant farmers Charlie and Emily Woodall. After Emily qualified as a personal trainer, the couple converted an outbuilding into a gym between Covid lockdowns. This has evolved into glamping, mother and baby sessions, a cafe, group therapy sessions and events.
Image: Mark Petersen
Alice Favre inherited Chettle Estate in Dorset in 2017. She describes herself as a “custodian” of the land, and since Covid has run community events including Wassail celebrations, tree-planting days and storytelling walks. Four local families started allotments after she offered free land for nature-based projects.
Image: Chettle Estate
Frances Harris and her husband Fergus Lyon invited local schools to visit Easthall Farm in Hertfordshire when their own children were young. Harris went on to train as a forest school teacher in 2008 in order to be able to lead sessions on the farm. Since then, activities have included outdoor science lessons and summer camps.
Image: Marcus Spiske
Main image: ClarkandCompany
Read more: Get on my land! The farmers opening up their patches for nature connection
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