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Sustainable farming practices incorporate many different approaches to farming that aim to reduce environmental impacts and increase environmental benefits. How farmland is managed impacts the diversity and abundance of wildlife it provides space for, and how easily wildlife can move across the landscape between areas of nature-rich habitat.
Sustainable farming practices minimise the impact of farming on habitats and ecosystem functioning, with a focus on soil health, water quality, increasing diversity, minimising chemical use and habitat connectivity. As well as there being variation in the different methods and approaches, there is also variety in how we refer to sustainable farming practices, including:
Sustainable farming practices minimise the impact of farming on habitats and ecosystem functioning, with a focus on soil health, water quality, increasing diversity, minimising chemical use and habitat connectivity. As well as there being variation in the different methods and approaches, there is also variety in how we refer to sustainable farming practices, including:
- agroecology
- regenerative farming
- nature-friendly farming
- organic farming
- permaculture
- high nature status farming
- biodynamic farming
Sustainable farming practices need to be both economically and environmentally sustainable, providing good quality local food, local jobs, profit for the farmer, and an increased abundance and diversity of wildlife and habitats.
Nature recovery in action
George and Dougal Hosford manage 800 rented hectares at Traveller’s Rest Farm near Blandford. They have been gradually transitioning to regenerative farming since giving up ploughing 20 years ago. The farm includes species rich, unimproved and improved grasslands. A herd of pasture-reared beef cows is considered critical to the sustainable management of both grassland and 650 hectares of arable crops.
The farm focuses on sustainable practices whilst at the same time maintaining financial resilience. Soil health is a priority, and a gradual reduction in the use of synthetic chemical and fertiliser inputs, combined with a more biological approach, is supporting both biodiversity and crop yields. Seventy-four hectares of strategically placed wildflower margins and plots form the basis for a system of integrated pest control, encouraging beneficial predatory insects to control common pest species as an alternative to insecticides. These areas benefit pollinators and a wide range of insects.
The farm focuses on sustainable practices whilst at the same time maintaining financial resilience. Soil health is a priority, and a gradual reduction in the use of synthetic chemical and fertiliser inputs, combined with a more biological approach, is supporting both biodiversity and crop yields. Seventy-four hectares of strategically placed wildflower margins and plots form the basis for a system of integrated pest control, encouraging beneficial predatory insects to control common pest species as an alternative to insecticides. These areas benefit pollinators and a wide range of insects.
The farm focuses on sustainable practices whilst at the same time maintaining financial resilience. Soil health is a priority, and a gradual reduction in the use of synthetic chemical and fertiliser inputs, combined with a more biological approach, is supporting both biodiversity and crop yields. Seventy-four hectares of strategically placed wildflower margins and plots form the basis for a system of integrated pest control, encouraging beneficial predatory insects to control common pest species as an alternative to insecticides. These areas benefit pollinators and a wide range of insects.
To prevent grasses from overwhelming the wildflowers, they mow and remove the cuttings most autumns, turning them into hay for their cows or compost for the soil. A return to hay making has eliminated the use of plastic bale wrap. Direct drilling has replaced minimal till crop establishment. With the decrease in synthetic inputs and soil disturbance, general life in the soil has noticeably increased. This and other management have led to a significant increase in numbers of skylark, woodlark, cornbunting, yellowhammers, linnets, finches, starlings and many other birds.
Diversity is key. A wide range of crops is being grown, sometimes 2 crops are grown at the same time (bicropping) with very low inputs. The increase in insect life in these fields is noticeable. As passionate stewards of the land, the Hosfords also harvest and sow their own native seed mixes, recognising their ecological value and adaptability. They are motivated by a belief in fostering balance in their farm ecosystem and see food and nature going hand in hand.
To prevent grasses from overwhelming the wildflowers, they mow and remove the cuttings most autumns, turning them into hay for their cows or compost for the soil. A return to hay making has eliminated the use of plastic bale wrap. Direct drilling has replaced minimal till crop establishment. With the decrease in synthetic inputs and soil disturbance, general life in the soil has noticeably increased. This and other management have led to a significant increase in numbers of skylark, woodlark, cornbunting, yellowhammers, linnets, finches, starlings and many other birds.
Diversity is key. A wide range of crops is being grown, sometimes 2 crops are grown at the same time (bicropping) with very low inputs. The increase in insect life in these fields is noticeable. As passionate stewards of the land, the Hosfords also harvest and sow their own native seed mixes, recognising their ecological value and adaptability. They are motivated by a belief in fostering balance in their farm ecosystem and see food and nature going hand in hand.
Potential activities
See what activities people can carry out to help achieve this priority. These activities are a guide and are not exhaustive, as there are many small activities involved in habitat management and restoring ecosystems.The activities and Dorset’s nature recovery maps provide a starting point, but additional land management and ecological advice will often be needed to support activities on individual sites.