Upper Beult Farmer Cluster
Information page
The Upper Beult Farmer Cluster is facilitated by Kent Wildlife Trust, working in partnership with Southern Water.
Here we have information about upcoming farm walks and events organised by Kent Wildlife Trust, as well as details on species specific project and other case studies to help inspire your own projects.
Why join a farmer cluster?
Farmer clusters are a great forum for sharing best practice and trialing innovative farming techniques. The group sets its own programme of learning events and workshops – all of which are free to members. A farmer cluster facilitator can help signpost to funding opportunities and members often help shape future funding policy by providing feedback to Natural England and Defra. Becoming part of a farmer cluster also looks set to be a crucial element to accessing future grants for ‘public goods’ through the new Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs). Kent Wildlife Trust are working directly with farmers to help the establishment of long term farmer clusters across Kent. Aiming to help farms protect and improve water quality, soil health and biodiversity. Members of the cluster often help shape and inform future catchment schemes and members can be prioritised for funding when the schemes are launched.
We joined the cluster because farming sustainably is really important to us and we wanted to find out more and share ideas. The cluster has been great for getting to know other farmers, especially as we are relatively new to farming in this area of Kent. We’ve also learnt a lot about species found on other nearby farms and we are now monitoring species on our farm much more closely. The support and guidance of Kent Wildlife Trust has been invaluable.Amy and Graham Husk from Ramstile Farm, near High Halden.
Can't find a cluster near you? Set one up!
Read our how to guide for setting up a new farmer cluster.
Kent farmer clusters
Kent Wildlife Trust facilitated:
Marden Farmer Cluster
Information page
Marden farmers are using novel conservation and regenerative farming ideas to enhance the landscape for wildlife. Learn more about their work here.
Darent Valley Farmer Cluster
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The Darent Valley Farmer Cluster is comprised of farmers and landowners who are committed to sustainably farming and managing this precious landscape, situated in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Facilitated by other organisations & supported by Kent Wildlife Trust:
Boxley Farmer Cluster
Located between the M20 and M2 motorways and the large roads of the A229 and A249, the Boxley farmer cluster is currently made up of several farms, landowners, and groups in the Boxley to Bredhurst and Stockbury part of Kent.
The facilitators of the group are the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, funded via a Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) grant overseen by the Kent Downs AONB team. Our facilitator helps the group by planning the meetings and directing us as a group and as individuals to the current different opportunities and funding pots available.
Our priorities:
As a cluster we have two key priorities:
- Anti-social / rural crime.
- Habitat creation and restoration.
Our objective is to work together to enhance our lands for wildlife and discuss solutions to anti-social behaviour and rural crime.
Join us!
We are open to new members joining if you farm within the area and share our goals and ambitions.
Please contact our Farm Cluster facilitator Andrea Griffiths.
Farming and wildlife projects
Wilder Grazing
Information page
Our ground-breaking Wilder Grazing Strategy supports the nature-positive management of our estates, encouraging wildlife recovery and adaptation to the changing climate.
Dover Downlands Project
Information page
The Dover Downlands Project aims to increase and improve chalk downlands and associated biodiversity in the Dover area of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Kent Wildlife Trust wins bid to support regenerative farming in Kent, partnering with farmers on innovative crop trials
News
Kent Wildlife Trust will be delivering one of six new projects funded by the Co-op Carbon Innovation Fund. The £100k project worth will be delivered over 2 years in partnership with Bockhanger Farms Ltd and Reading University.