How Purbeck farmers are adapting to new government scheme

Brexit now means farmers no longer have subsidies coming in from the EU and in response the UK government has created the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS). 

Replacing the former subsidies, the new payment schemes focus on supporting farming initiatives such as soil health, climate change adaptation, increased biodiversity and access for people.   

Paul Loudoun, of Wilkswood Farm in Langton Matravers, said he has embraced the changes on his 300 hectares of land. 

Paul Loudoun (Image: National Trust, Cathy Lewis)

Some of the changes he has made include reducing his grazing stock to a level that supports wildlife habitats and planting native trees such as oak and field maple. 

The long-term vision is to create wildlife-rich wood pastures, where grassland, trees and shrubs provide a diverse range of habitats.   

Paul said: “This is a really exciting time for me. I came into farming around 40 years ago because I had a real interest in the outdoors and nature.  

“But my focus for many years was more on the intensive grazing of sheep and cattle. I still have cattle now but in reduced numbers and I can focus more on what I always wanted to do – helping nature.  

“I feel like I have come full circle.”  

Cattle at Wilkswood Farm (Image: National Trust, Cathy Lewis)

Paul has now set up a sustainable way of managing an organic beef herd. He has around 120 Ruby Red cattle – a hardy, outdoor breed which thrives on rough grassland.   

“The cattle are completely pasture fed, live outdoors all year and calve in the fields,” he said. 

“It’s a simple, natural system, and much more economical than buying in feeds and fertilisers." 

Cattle farmers Jake and Chrissy Hancock, of Middlebere Farm near Corfe Castle, have about 270 animals, but Jake is passionate about soil management. 

He said: “It’s a challenge working with the soil here as it’s largely sand. The only way you can use it for crops is to add loads of expensive fertiliser, but this soon washes out. 

“My focus is on rearing beef cattle, but in numbers and ways that restore nature. Farming the land here wouldn’t be profitable without government support– it not only keeps farmers in jobs but also encourages them to maximise their wildlife.”  

Meanwhile wife Chrissy, who has a background in environmental science and education, leads tours which involve a tractor and trailer ride across the heaths with talks about the grazing animals and wildlife conservation.  

They do about 80 visits per year, the majority for schools but also some adult groups. The visits and transport to the farm are free to schools, thanks to government support.  

Mark Singleton, National Trust’s countryside manager for Purbeck, said the trust is helping its tenants (the farmers mentioned) meet the requirements of the new government schemes. 

He said: “Our aim is for them to produce food and support the local economy, but in ways that allow nature and their businesses to thrive.”