The Farm Today
Our first lamb!
A view of Conygree Farm
Harvesting
A free range Gloucester Old Spot pig
Wild bird food
About Us
Jonathan comes from a farming family in Nottinghamshire and worked as a Farm Environment Advisor for 10 years before deciding to practice what he preaches on his own farm.
Our First Steps
Most farms in the area are now large intensive arable units or desirable residences and hobby farms. Thankfully the National Trust was keen to see the farm remain and develop as a traditional working farm, providing a range of environmental, social and economic outputs. The Trust is also committed to helping young farmers, "new entrants" and new types of farm tenant in today’s changing and exciting agricultural climate.
As such, the farm tenancy was advertised and let in 2004 and we, with some trepidation took over that winter. Our aim was to develop Conygree as a working mixed farm that respected and enhanced the local landscape and wildlife habitat.
As the farm has not been grazed by livestock for many years our first job, with the help of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, was to tackle acres of thistle, reseed the majority of the arable areas back to wild flower meadows and pasture, and to erect 6.5 miles of new fencing. Eventually, these areas will support up to 150 traditional breed sheep, 12 native suckler cows with their calves, and a few free range pigs. We reared our first Cotswold sheep and Gloucester Old Spot pigs in 2006.
Arable areas play an important part of the farming system. Wheat and spring barley produces feed and straw, and the crop rotation allows for stubble to be left over winter for the birds and insects.
Our Challenge
The farming industry is in a period of great change. Many farmers are leaving the industry due to poor prices, increased red tape, stress and reduced subsidies.
However, amid these challenges we see opportunities due to increased public appreciation of local food, traditional breeds and animal welfare, and more support for environmental management. We believe it could be a good time to get into farming!
