In your field: James and Isobel Wright - 'I am really hoping next month we can write about our new farm'

A year ago we arrived in Exmoor with a threeweek-old baby and an 18-month-old toddler, not really knowing anyone and not quite sure what we were going to do

clock • 2 min read
In your field: James and Isobel Wright - 'I am really hoping next month we can write about our new farm'

We were taken in by a wonderful farming family who rented us a cottage and, over the past 12 months, we have found this rural community to be tremendously welcoming.

From our neighbours who have lived on Exmoor all their lives to the local shopkeeper, we have been welcomed by all and we cannot quite imagine not living here and being part of the community.

Valuable

I think as farmers and rural dwellers we can sometimes take for granted how valuable the connections we make between each other are, especially as times change.

We need to look at how we can work together. Especially as times change, we need to look at how we can work together.

I do not quite know where I would be without my WhatsApp discussion groups.

We were invited to attend a ‘Farm for the Future' workshop hosted by the NFU, where they talked about Basic Payment Scheme replacements and the various grants available.

While there is justifiable frustration at the speed of the Environmental Land Management scheme roll out, there is no doubt that the Sustainable Farming Incentive with its flexible terms, stickability, quicker payments and ability to upgrade annually is much better than previous schemes.

The introduction of Countryside Plus, which will reward farmers working together, is an exciting update as well. If you have not already got involved in yours, it is well worth a look at.

Earlier this month we spread my father's ashes where he had been a reserve warden at RSPB Minsmere in Suffolk during the 1970s.

The reserve back then was devoid of health and safety and he regaled us with stories of hides up ladders and boat trips in the reed beds.

I can think of no better place than for him to return to the landscape than there. It has been 12 months since we left Sussex and I am hopeful that by the next column I write we will have completed on a permanent home for the family and a restart of our farming adventures that began 10 years ago when I bought two pigs with my student loan.

MILK TANKS AND SILOS REFURBISHED TANKS AVAILABLE

MILK TANKS AND SILOS REFURBISHED TANKS AVAILABLE

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

VB Fabrications LTD

VB Fabrications LTD

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks

New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Farm Life

Farmers donate 'overwhelming' amount of food to London food bank

Farmers donate 'overwhelming' amount of food to London food bank

Farmers from across the UK turned out in their thousands to fight Labour's family farm tax, whilst donating vast amounts of British produce to a London food bank

clock 20 November 2024 • 1 min read
SAVE BRITAIN'S FAMILY FARMS: Maria Warne - "It is not just a farm, it is a family"

SAVE BRITAIN'S FAMILY FARMS: Maria Warne - "It is not just a farm, it is a family"

In a new Farmers Guardian campaign to support family farms, farmers across the country have voiced their concerns about the future of the industry. In a new series for the campaign, family farm focus, you will hear straight from farming families talking about their worries for their business and legacy

clock 18 November 2024 • 1 min read
Sir Keir Starmer warned he has a 'fight on his hands' as rallies across UK are planned

Sir Keir Starmer warned he has a 'fight on his hands' as rallies across UK are planned

Labour Government will only be happy when 'countryside does not exist' says demonstration organiser

clock 18 November 2024 • 2 min read