The East Devon Farmers Group has had a busy and successful year so far, bringing farmers together to share knowledge, improve farm resilience, and champion nature-friendly practices across the East Devon National Landscape. 

Since its launch, the group which is overseen by the East Devon National Landscape, now has 69 farm members. The group aims to raise the standard and scale of conservation management across farms of all sizes, while also strengthening sustainable farm businesses that contribute to a thriving local economy. 

The East Devon Farmers Group runs monthly workshops and training sessions, offering practical advice and expert-led learning. Recent highlights include: 

• Hedge Management Farm Walk with expert Robert Wolton – exploring best practice for managing hedges to benefit wildlife, the environment, and farm productivity. 

• Practical Tools for Minimising Soil Disturbance – a hands-on workshop with the Barnes family, demonstrating machinery that can improve soil health and boost long-term farm profitability. 

• Introduction to Agroforestry at Elston Farm – showcasing how integrating trees into farming systems can enhance sustainability, productivity, and resilience. 

Steph Aburrow, East Devon National Landscape Project Officer, said: “Working with the East Devon Farmers Group is inspiring. The energy and commitment from local farmers shows how farming and nature can thrive side by side. By sharing knowledge and supporting each other, the group is helping to build a stronger, more resilient farming community that benefits people, wildlife and the East Devon National Landscape.” 

Building connections between farmers is important to the group, and this summer’s social event was held at Blamphayne Sawmills. The group were given an exclusive tour of the sawmills and timber products they offer and finished with food from local farming caterer Nancy Rowe’s ‘Big Pan’. A charity raffle also raised £570 for RABI – the farmers charity which supports people through practical, financial and emotional assistance. 

Emma Herrod, local farmer and Coordinator of the East Devon Farmers Group, said: “I have been working in this role for over seven years now and am proud to say the local farming community has gone from strength to strength. The group has provided farmers with expert advice and discussions, the chance to share knowledge and many informative farm walks. We have a range of farms within the group from small holdings to large dairy units; and we try to put on a mixture of events to accommodate every landowner. As a group we want to support sustainable food production, futureproof profitable farming businesses and protect the beautiful landscape we are so lucky to live in.” 

If you’re a farmer or land manager in the East Devon National Landscape and would like to learn more about joining the group, or if you’d simply like to find out more about how the East Devon Farmers Group are supporting farming and nature, contact the East Devon National Landscape team at: info@eastdevon-nl.org.uk .