Colesmoor Farm is a small family run farm spanning 67ha, 48ha of which being permanent grassland the rest mostly woodland. The farm was a successful conventional beef and sheep livestock enterprise, with a fairly high input system including the use of fertilisers, concentrate feeding and indoor lambing with a long housing period for both the sheep and the cattle.

In 2020, Max and Alice Wade took over the running of the farm in 2020 from Alice's parents and have spent the past 4 and a half years transitioning into a adopting more sustainable agroecological approaches. The farm now currently have no cattle as Max and Alice have changed to breeding sheep, running a flock of 300 Romney x Highlander which suits their more extensive system. The lambs are born outside in April and where possible they mob graze, where this isn't possible there is still a rotation in place and they are working on expanding shelter and water to allow more mob grazing.

They have bench marked their soils, enrolled in SFI and CS mid tier, have planted multiple herbal leys, planted an orchard protected by Cactus guards, shortened their housing period, and designed a holistic agroforestry project with the guidance of Edd Colbert, with plans to implement very soon.

At this event we will be introduced to the extensive, whole farm, agroforestry plans and we'll discuss how they have come about, and what they are expected to provide over the medium to long term. This is a great opportunity to explore what different agroforestry options there are, and the benefits brought to grazing systems.

Schedule:

10:15 - Arrival with tea and coffee

10:30 - Introduction

10:35 - Farm Walk with Max and Alice Wade

12:30 - Back to base for a discussion about agroforestry principles, and light lunch

13.30 - A bit of time for networking

14:00 - Finish

Location:

Colesmoor Farm, Toller Porcorum, England DT2 0DU

Date:

Tuesday 9th October 2024

Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes programme

"Pasture and Profit in Protected Landscapes," supported by Dorset National Landscapes and funded through the Farming in Protected Landscapes Fund (FiPL), welcomes all farmers in Dorset’s Protected Landscape. The program is launching a free mentoring and events initiative, specifically designed for farmers interested in nature-friendly or regenerative farming practices. We believe that farmers learn best from other farmers and throughout the next year, the project will organise farmer-led, on-farm educational events.

Farmers in these regions can engage with the project in three ways:

Overall Program Participation: Join a comprehensive series of on-farm events and webinars, covering diverse topics determined by participant feedback.

Mentorship Opportunity: 14 farmers within the program can be paired with a trained, experienced farmer mentor. The mentor will visit the farm and provide ongoing support as farmers explore and implement new livestock management approaches. If you'd like to sign up please complete this form.

Free Membership: Non-members receive free Pasture for Life membership (valued at £120) until the end of March 2025. This includes access to learning opportunities from farmers across the UK.

Farms in Dorset’s National Landscape aren't obligated to seek mentoring. All farmers are encouraged to join, whatever your farming practice, whether making adjustments or seeking knowledge. Participation doesn't commit to specific practices; the initiative supports farmers at any stage in their journey.

To find out more, please visit Pasture for Life or contact Sarah at ZG9yc2V0IHwgcGFzdHVyZWZvcmxpZmUgISBvcmc=