Rural regeneration in Herefordshire inspires visiting farmers

How can a commercial farm enterprise be run in a way that will benefit the local community? A group of farmers and rural enthusiasts, seeking inspiration and information on rural regeneration, will find out in Herefordshire this week.

In the seventh of a series of regional events a group of Royal Agricultural Society of England members will look at a new programme being demonstrated at Brockhampton Estate, on 8 June.

The National Trust's 'Farming Forward in Action' programme is a new approach to rural regeneration, combining sustainable land management and business development. The benefits to local communities and tourists are also important.

In practice, the programme is seeing the 1700 acre Brockhampton estate develop for visitors to enjoy, as well as running a successful commercial farm enterprise.

Vicky Bennett, who is coordinating the project for the National Trust explained that the programme aims to help farmers develop their businesses in a sustainable way. She added, "There are so many challenges facing the industry at the moment, we hope to be able to provide excellent examples of how you can combine conservation and commerce successfully.

"To the public, the countryside is not only important for producing food, but also for providing recreation and learning opportunities. One of the many challenges is to be able to deliver these opportunities whilst getting a market return from the investment.

"Much of our work focuses on helping our tenants to be both competitive and sustainable. We are concentrating on demonstrating the social, economic and environmental advantages for the farmer, the local community and the wider industry, of sustainable land management. There are many issues to discuss, and I hope RASE members will be inspired by the visit."

The traditionally farmed estate has extensive areas of woodland, including ancient oak and beech, and provides breathtaking views of Herefordshire.

A tour of the estate will be followed by a guided tour of Lower Brockhampton, the medieval manor house with beautiful timber framed gatehouse, and a look at the woodland and parkland.

Throughout the visit Grant Thornton will be on hand to give one-to-one advice on the latest changes in business and finance legislation, helping members to stay abreast of change and ensure their businesses are structured in the most tax efficient way.

The tour is one of eight regional events organised by the Society to give members valuable insights into environmental and business issues faced by modern day estate owners, including conservation and land management.