A productive visit from @marycreagh1 MP, Defra Minister for Nature, to the farm yesterday.
We looked at the flower-rich grasslands and margins, and looked the farm from the pickup.
We had a really good discussion about what nature-friendly farming looks like in practice - from species-rich grasslands and habitat management, to rural jobs, housing, infrastructure and how we plan nature into development properly from the start.
We also talked about the importance of better environmental data and making it more transparent and useful, so farmers and policymakers can make informed decisions.
These are important conversations to be having. Nature recovery and food production are not separate challenges, and getting this right depends on practical solutions that work for farmers, businesses and communities alike.
Thanks to Mary for taking the time to visit and engage so openly with the realities on the ground.
Fab day yesterday visiting @plumptoncollege recording a podcast with @second_natureuk@adamhenson_ and @linesmartin discussing all things education , celebratory the centenary year at the college, it’s amazing achievements, the future for land-based skills, its role in society, transition to regenerative farming, resilience, reconnection and @soil_ed_uk
Coming soon! Not to be missed.
@lizziemuddyheelsmac thank you for inviting me along.🌱
#podcast #regeneratingeducation #discussion #ontopic #farming
Well today we welcome Martin to the R2Kast 🎙️ A farmer and CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, where he works on connecting farming, nature and policy. 🌾
We spoke about his own farming journey, succession, and the shift towards nature friendly systems built around soil health, biodiversity and resilience. Martin explained why the Nature Friendly Farming Network was created, how it has grown, and the role it plays in representing farmers in policy discussions while keeping things practical and grounded in real farming experience. 🍎
Enjoy! 🙂
Huge congratulations to our CEO, @linesmartin on receiving the @rspb Medal - their most prestigious award recognising outstanding leadership in conservation and care for our natural world. 🎉
This award celebrates Martin’s tireless work championing both farmers and nature. 💚
As RSPB chief executive Beccy Speight said:
“Martin’s initiative to set up the Nature Friendly Farming Network has been pivotal in securing hope for farmers. It’s through nature-friendly farming that we can address climate change, build resilience in UK farming, and reverse the declines in our wildlife.”
Martin follows in the footsteps of previous winners including HRH The Prince of Wales and Sir David Attenborough.
🙌 We’re so proud of you, Martin!
Read more via the link in our bio 🔗
#naturefriendlyfarming
We’ve been at the Liberal Democrat Conference this week, making the most of some great networking opportunities and really enjoying connecting with everyone who visited our stall.
We put the spotlight firmly on nature-friendly farming. With food security high on the agenda, we shared our message loud and clear:
👉 Food security and nature can’t be separated.
Healthy soils, thriving ecosystems and resilient farms are the foundation of a secure food future - for farmers, communities and the planet. 🌍✨
#NFFN
PHOTOS:
Photo 1: Our CEO @linesmartin
Photo 2: MP @anna4fes (left) and our CEO Martin Lines (right)
Photo 3: Our CEO Martin Lines (left) and MP @alistair.carmichael (right)
Farmers manage over 70% of the UK’s land, so how they use and protect water really matters. Many are already taking big steps to safeguard water quality, but they can’t do it alone. 💧
Tackling pollution in our rivers and seas requires fairness and shared responsibility. That means supply chains, policymakers and consumers all playing their part - recognising that what we eat, how it’s produced, and what it truly costs all have an impact.
In his article, our CEO Martin Lines digs deeper:
“I’ve seen first-hand how schemes that bring farmers together, with good advisors and proper support, can drive real improvements when they are built on trust, not tick boxes. But we can’t pretend we can solve this without addressing consumption patterns.”
You can read his full article (first published in Farmers Guardian) - see link in bio. 🔗
#nffn #naturefriendlyfarming
Across England, thousands of Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreements run out this December. ⏳ Without a rollover, farmers could be forced to return land set aside for nature to crop production - a huge setback for biodiversity, the 2030 species target, and climate action.
We are urging the Government to introduce a one-year rollover to ensure no farmer delivering environmental outcomes is left without support.
Read more - see link in bio 🔗
#nffnengland #naturefriendlyfarming
This afternoon I hosted the Secretary of State for Defra Steve Reed on our farm. A great opportunity to show him around our farm and discuss nature friendly farming and lots of other topics. Farming is facing many challenges now and in the future and having the opportunity to discuss these with the Secretary of State Steve Reed and his colleagues is very important.
The end of 2 great days at Reuters Events Food & Agriculture “Transform Food & Agriculture Europe 2025” event. It’s been great to hear from so many people, organizations and companies who are involved in our food and agriculture industry. Really enjoy chairing a panel session yesterday on “Driving shared investment towards regenerative farming.” #TransformFood
Productive day yesterday, supporting the RSPB handing in their petition with over hundred thousand signatories calling the government not to cut the nature friendly farming budget
