This renewable gas, produced from agricultural waste, food waste, and organic matter through anaerobic digestion, offers a remarkable advantage over other renewable technologies: it is chemically identical to natural gas. 

This means biomethane can integrate seamlessly into existing pipeline infrastructure without requiring costly modifications to the gas network. With a carbon intensity of just 16% compared to conventional methane, biomethane provides a genuinely sustainable alternative that can significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint of Britain’s gas supply. 

The triple benefit for farmers 

Biomethane offers British farmers three distinct but interconnected benefits that make it an attractive diversification opportunity, enhancing rather than competing with traditional agricultural activities.

This triple-win approach addresses the key challenges facing modern agriculture: economic pressures, operational efficiency and environmental responsibilities. 

The economic benefits centre on creating diversified income streams that establish profitable circular economies on working farms. The current Green Gas Support Scheme provides tariff-based support to producers for 15 years following successful applications, offering financial security alongside traditional farming income. 

The Danish model, called ‘green refineries’ by Mette Smedegaard Hansen, the corporate affairs director of Nature Energy, a leading Danish biomethane producer, demonstrates how farms can generate multiple revenue streams simultaneously through energy production, improved waste management, and enhanced fertiliser production.  

This approach creates resilient business models that maintain profitability even when individual revenue streams face challenges. 

Operational improvements focus on the high-quality digestate produced as a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, which serves as premium organic fertiliser that can reduce input costs while improving soil health.

This integrated waste management approach eliminates disposal costs for organic waste while creating valuable agricultural inputs. 

Environmental advantages position farmers as active contributors to climate solutions while supporting national energy security objectives. Biomethane production significantly reduces CO2e emissions, directly contributing to the UK’s net zero targets while creating measurable environmental improvements on individual farms.  

The process captures methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere from decomposing farm waste. Similarly, producing biomethane from cover crops in between main crop cycles can improve soil stability whilst boosting income. 

Simultaneously, biomethane production reduces the UK’s dependence on imported gas through domestic renewable energy generation, supporting energy independence while creating economic value from what was previously considered waste. 

The circular approach maximises value extraction from all farm resources, creating synergies between energy production, waste management, nutrient cycling, and traditional agricultural outputs. Enhanced farm sustainability emerges through improved biodiversity, better soil health, and reduced reliance on external inputs. 

An opportunity for UK farmers to take advantage 

Advancements in Europe demonstrate the transformative potential of biomethane when supported by appropriate policy frameworks. France leads the charge with over 700 connected sites producing 13TWh annually, connecting an impressive two new sites every week.

This rapid expansion reflects the success of carefully structured policy support that has created confidence among farmers and investors alike. 

The European Union has set ambitious targets of 366TWh by 2030, representing ten times the UK’s current ambition despite having only six times the population. This disparity highlights the significant opportunity British farmers are currently missing. 

The UK’s potential remains largely untapped, with industry targets of 30TWh by 2030 set by the Renewable Energy Association that could provide 14% of total national gas demand.  

Beyond the environmental benefits, biomethane offers crucial energy security advantages by reducing dependence on imported gas through home-grown renewable energy production. This domestic energy generation becomes increasingly important as global energy markets remain volatile and geopolitical tensions affect supply chains. 

As the UK’s largest gas network, Cadent is working hard to improve processes and simplify the experience for biomethane developers, facilitating injection across 47 connected sites with 4TWh annual capacity. This represents 50% of the UK’s total biomethane production, generating enough renewable gas to heat 350,000 homes across the country. 

Cadent’s recently opened OPTINET Compressor Project is vital to this collective effort. The UK-first on-site reverse compressor will enable the much-needed capacity in the gas grid so that biomethane developers can inject their green gas into the network.

Cadent’s established infrastructure and expertise position the company uniquely to support the rapid scaling of biomethane production as more farmers recognise the opportunity. 

How Cadent can support your biomethane journey 

Cadent’s approach removes complexity from biomethane development, providing farmers with expert support throughout the entire process from initial feasibility through to operational success.  

The company’s proven track record speaks to reliable partnership, already facilitating 50% of the UK’s biomethane production through established relationships with diverse agricultural operations across the country. 

This extensive experience translates into deep technical expertise in biomethane injection standards, quality requirements, and grid integration challenges that farmers face when connecting to the national network. Cadent understands the unique requirements of agricultural operations and can support the needs of farming businesses while maintaining the technical standards required for grid injection. 

Cadent’s policy advocacy demonstrates commitment to long-term sector development rather than short-term project gains. Current advocacy focuses on extending the Green Gas Support Scheme beyond its 2028 expiry, ensuring continued support for farmer investment in biomethane infrastructure.  

Cadent is also learning from European best practice, particularly the successful French ‘right to inject’ model that socialises connection costs, making projects more accessible to farmers by reducing upfront investment barriers. 

The transformation of British agriculture through biomethane represents an opportunity to create profitable, sustainable, and resilient farming businesses while contributing to national energy security and environmental objectives.  

With Cadent’s comprehensive support and proven expertise, farmers can confidently enter this growing market and lead the biomethane revolution that positions British agriculture at the forefront of renewable energy production.

Find out how you can get started.

Read more rural news.

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The department confirmed that EA farm inspections are set to increase by around 50%.

A spokesperson for DEFRA explained: “The boost in funding will help the EA offer more guidance to farmers, strengthen links with supply chains and farm networks, make better use of technology like remote sensing, and take stronger action against serious or ongoing pollution.

“It will see the expected number of inspections reach a record 6,000 a year by 2029, supported by more investment in advice-led regulation.”

DEFRA said that the EA’s approach sees officers visiting farms to check compliance with environmental law. If rules are broken, farmers are told what to fix and given a deadline in writing as part of the enforcement process.

The decision follows a meeting between the farming minister Daniel Zeichner and water minister Emma Hardy alongside various groups where it was agreed to start a programme aimed at making farming rules clearer and better to help reduce and prevent pollution on farm.

The EA confirmed 4,545 farm inspections were carried out last year.

READ MORE: £100m cuts announced: ‘Farmers will need to do more with less’

‘Farmers need the right tools’

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos responded to the news by saying that while the NFU supports proportionate regulation to uphold environmental standards, “any increase in Environment Agency inspections must be targeted, evidence-based and focused on advice-led improvement, not simply enforcement”.

“Farmers are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment – it’s central to how we farm and produce food.

“Clearly, there is much more we can do to improve water quality, but this is a challenge we cannot face alone. Farmers need the right tools – from investment in slurry storage, access to new technologies, advice and a supportive and enabling planning system.

“With the right approach and long-term support, farmers can continue to deliver sustainable food production while enhancing soil health, boosting climate resilience and be transformative for the quality of water in our rivers.”

In mid-June DEFRA released an overview of farming funding for the years between 2026 and 2029.

It has been announced that delinked Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments will be significantly cut next year.

DEFRA said that to maintain the overall farming budget and to increase investment in environmental land management, the government plans to “phase-out” delinked payments.

READ MORE: Farmers asked about their views on EA charges increase

READ MORE: Could you help Baroness Batters shape farm profitability review?

Read more political news.

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The funding will deliver the next phase of a new National Biosecurity Centre, a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UK’s foremost animal biosecurity facility. 

The investment is a part of the new National Security Strategy, which marks a step change in this country’s approach to securing British interests while also creating jobs, wages, and growth for the British people as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, Defra explained.  
 
Animal disease outbreaks represent a serious and increasing risk to public health, food security, and the UK economy. Approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. 

Furthermore, about 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, making the fight against these diseases about human health and security too.  

Without strong and modernised biosecurity infrastructure, disease incursions could severely impact UK farmers, agricultural production, devastate rural communities and disrupt key supply chains.  

The export of livestock, meat and meat products, dairy and animal by-products is worth £16 billion per year alone to the UK economy. 

‘Farmers and food producers will now be better protected’

The funding will now enhance the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and African swine fever, whilst enhancing our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks. 

Environment secretary Steve Reed said that the first role of any government is national security. 

“That is why we are making a record investment into the nation’s biosecurity capabilities, and in turn our national security, after years of chronic underfunding. 

“Farmers and food producers will now be better protected from diseases, our food security strengthened, and public health better safeguarded against future pandemics. This government is getting on with delivering on our Plan for Change,” he continued. 

The new National Biosecurity Centre is set to play an essential role in addressing the full range of biological threats the country faces, including from hostile nations, and will ensure that the UK retains the scientific capability, infrastructure and expertise needed to lead international efforts to identify, manage, and mitigate disease threats in the years ahead, the government confirmed.   

The high containment laboratories for animal health, run by the Animal & Plant Health Agency at Weybridge in Surrey, urgently need renewal to handle escalating disease risks, which are growing in the face of our changing climate.  

The Labour government said that it inherited laboratories in poor condition with their long-term future in doubt and the country facing increased risk without action. 

The new facility will join a network of national centres set up by the Cabinet Office under the UK Biological Security Strategy and announced in the National Security Strategy.  

A spokesperson for Defra said that this new network of government laboratories provides a sovereign capability that keeps the public safe and is essential to responding to biological security risks. 
 
The network will strengthen and formalise existing collaborations between the UK Health Security Agency, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. It will ensure we are better prepared for a crisis, can respond more effectively when an incident does happen and deliver a more holistic approach to biological research. 

Jenny Stewart, senior science director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, concluded: “This funding is a vital milestone in the delivery of a world-leading facility that will protect the UK from animal disease threats for decades to come. 

“Our scientists and specialists at Weybridge are at the heart of the UK’s disease surveillance and response capability and provide a global centre of expertise.  

“Investment on this scale will enable them to continue their critical work in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, supported by the very latest technologies.” 

Preparatory work at the Weybridge site is already underway. Planning Consent has been secured, and a contractor has been appointed to build the main new facilities. 

The first interim labs to support critical science while we transform the site will be ready in 2027 and 2028. The main construction works start in 2027, with the full NBC live and operational in 2033/34.   

Read more farm business news. 

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Set against the breathtaking backdrop of 500,000 sunflowers and over 50 million wildflowers, The Last Footprint by Erik Schmitz features nine large-scale sculptures crafted entirely from sustainable and reclaimed materials, including timber from the Gurney family farm in Milton Keynes and offcuts donated by Linnell Bros Timber Merchants in Towcester. 

Each piece of the exhibition represents a species that is considered to be vulnerable to extinction in the wild. In total there are nine giant sculptures, including the iconic giant panda, Asian elephant, lowland gorilla and black rhinoceros.  

There is also a focus on lesser-known endangered species, including the Californian condor, European eel, Amur leopard, green sea turtle and giant pangolin. The sculptures form a moving tribute to the fragile beauty of the natural world and the impact each life leaves behind. 

The Last Footprint brings a new dimension to The Patch MK, a farm attraction created by Joe and Rosalyn Gurney, fourth-generation farmers who have transformed part of their land just outside Milton Keynes into a vibrant, family-focused destination.

Each year, the couple that owns Mount Mill Farm strive to bring a unique attraction to their flower fields, and this year they decided to combine their passions for art and wildlife by designing the unique sculpture exhibition. 

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Rosalyn Gurney said: “We’ve always wanted The Patch to be about more than just a fun day out. It’s about creating meaningful memories, and this installation is exactly that.  

“It’s beautiful, yes, but it’s also thought-provoking and deeply moving. We are looking forward to seeing these imposing sculptures against the backdrop of our gorgeous sunflowers as they go through their lifecycle from bud to bloom.” 

Since opening just a few years ago, The Patch MK has grown into one of the region’s most loved seasonal experiences, home to millions of flowers each summer and thousands of pumpkins in the autumn. 

Visitors can explore flower fields, get lost in sensory-rich maize mazes, and now, reflect on conservation through this extraordinary new installation. 

Joe Gurney added that whether you’re an art lover, a family seeking summer adventures, or a nature enthusiast, The Last Footprint offers something unique: an immersive experience that blends environmental awareness with the joy of outdoor discovery. 

“It’s a quiet call to notice, to remember, and to act. We were delighted to team up with Erik and see our vision brought to life. We sincerely hope it sparks meaningful conversations in every family that visits,” the farmer continued. 

The Last Footprint is the first exhibition by artist Erik Schmitz to be hosted in the United Kingdom. The artist said: “This is more than an exhibition; it’s a moment of reflection on how precious our natural world is and all of the resources on Earth’s. 

“Each sculpture invites you to pause and think about what we stand to lose and what footprints we want to leave behind.” 

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Defra explained that the £1.1 million package will support 12 fresh screening studies across England, known as Local Resource Options (LROs). They will assess the strengths and weaknesses of different water management options, such as multi-farm reservoirs, treated wastewater recycling systems, or collaborative irrigation networks.

Environment Agency confirmed that last year, the fund provided 106 farms with recommendations and attracted positive responses from farmer groups for helping identify risks and facilitate greater co-operation between neighbours.

Proposals included building rainwater storage and distribution systems for growers of soft fruits like strawberries, wetlands to recycle treated wastewater for potato farmers or shared reservoir and irrigation networks to supply crops and aid peat restoration.

EA’s estimates suggest that its top recommendations could provide an additional 12 billion litres of low-cost water per year to farmers, worth £53 million.

READ MORE: Extreme winter rainfall threatens UK farmland 

READ MORE: UK crops likely to suffer impacts of driest spring

Protecting food security

Philip Duffy, Environment Agency chief executive, said: “Farmers say responsible access to water is vital for food production and rural economies, particularly during prolonged dry weather.

“This scheme will help us draw up plans for on-farm water storage that work for the environment and food production.”

Daniel Zeichner, minister for food and rural affairs, added that the programme will support farmers to find new ways to manage water collaboratively to protect food security, long-term profitability and local communities.

“Storing water on wet days for use during dry periods is a great way to sustainably secure our food systems and farming businesses against the threat of drought,” the minister concluded.

Applications are open now for groups including at least two neighbouring farms and will close at 11:59 pm on 20th July 2025.

To apply or for further information, click here.

READ MORE: Nature Friendly Farming Week launches as UK confronts record drought and rising threats

Read more rural news.

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According to the latest report from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and RSK ADAS Ltd, winter and spring crops have been notably affected, with national condition ratings for key cereals such as winter wheat, winter barley, and spring barley all dropping sharply since April.

As of late May, just 36% of winter wheat crops were rated in good or excellent condition, down from 60% a month prior.

The report, which captures crop data up to Monday 26th May 2025, highlights the widespread impact of the warm, dry weather throughout April and much of May, which accelerated crop development by up to two weeks in many areas while limiting nutrient uptake and reducing tillering.

Although recent rainfall has brought some relief, the effects are not yet fully captured in the report, and future rainfall will be critical in determining final yields and grain quality.

Next four weeks will be critical

Helen Plant, AHDB senior analyst (Cereals & Oilseeds), explained that crops on lighter soils are struggling the most, with poor nitrogen uptake resulting in thinner crops and stunted growth.

“There’s no question that yield potential has taken a hit, but heavy rainfall in the final week of May brought much-needed relief and renewed optimism for many,” the expert added.

The report also reveals major regional variation. In Scotland and the South East of England, spring cereals have particularly suffered, while Northern Ireland has experienced more favourable conditions, with most crops reported to be in good shape.

Dry weather has also helped suppress disease and weed pressure for now, though thin canopies and improving soil moisture could create conditions for resurgence.

Yellow rust is the main disease of concern, particularly in susceptible winter wheat varieties in the North East and East Midlands. Aphid activity is being monitored, but pest pressure remains low so far.

AHDB has warned that the next four weeks will be “critical”. Ms Plant added: “Looking ahead is difficult, and crop prospects depend heavily on future rainfall. For all crops, rainfall through June will be paramount in determining final yields and quality.”

READ MORE: Farming community responds to warning that food production faces growing risk

READ MORE: Nature Friendly Farming Week launches as UK confronts record drought and rising threats

Read more arable news.

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It comes as the country experienced the driest March in 60 years and the sunniest April on record, followed by more extremely warm and dry weather this month. 

Kevin Hatch from Severn Trent’s Network Operation explained that a total of 700 ‘bowsers’ will be made available to farmers across the region, with priority given to those with livestock, particularly dairy farms, to help them store enough water and support animal welfare during potential hot weather periods. 

“Our aim is to get the 1,100-litre bowsers to the farmers who need them most, providing dependable, on-farm water storage to help maintain supply for livestock during dry spells or for water emergencies. 

“Our teams will work closely with farmers to understand their water needs and arrange collections from agreed pick-up points so the bowsers can be efficiently distributed to where they’ll make the greatest difference,” he added. 

Helping farmers manage peak water demands

Originally used as part of Severn Trent’s emergency fleet, the bowsers are being redistributed as the company upgrades to equipment with almost 12 times greater storage capacity.  

Mr Hatch continued: “The bowsers we’re giving away are in excellent condition, having been dry-stored and rarely used, and will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis across our priority areas to farms that meet the criteria. 

“They’re fitted with forklift-accessible cages to make them easy to transport and will be cleaned and labelled before distribution.  

“While provided empty, the bowsers are ready to fill and use for non-potable purposes – offering a practical solution to help farmers manage peak water demands or low availability. It also helps livestock farms, who must ensure that they have at least 24 hours of water storage for their animals, which is vitally important as we had the driest spring on record.” 

The bowser giveaway initiative aims to strengthen on-farm water resilience while supporting Severn Trent’s broader environmental goals to protect water quality and reduce pressure on mains supplies. 

During the dry spells of 2018 and 2022, many farmers reached out to Severn Trent for help when water supplies ran low. This shows the importance of having adequate water storage in place to keep livestock safe and healthy during dry periods, the company’s team said.  

Mr Hatch concluded: “Shropshire has a particularly high number of livestock farms and is especially vulnerable to dry conditions, which is why the region is the first focus for the giveaway scheme.” 

Severn Trent will be expanding the initiative to cover other areas in its region, including Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, and Herefordshire. 

How to apply 

Livestock farmers in Shropshire should register their interest by sending an email to EnvEngagement@severntrent.co.uk by 6th June 2025. 

To be eligible for a bowser you must farm within the Severn Trent catchment and have either a dairy farm, hatcheries, poultry sheds, or beef and pig farms to qualify.  

Farmers will be asked to provide farm information, including the full address and herd or flock size, as well as information regarding any previous water supply issues. 

Once approved, farmers will receive a date and time slot to collect their bowser from a local designated Severn Trent site. 

Read more rural news. 

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Researchers at Rothamsted’s North Wyke Farm Platform in Devon, Britain’s most monitored farm, have found that even well-managed grazing and arable systems are struggling to withstand modern winter wet weather extremes, leading to dramatically increased sediment loss from fields into rivers. 

Using over a decade of high-resolution environmental data collected at North Wyke, researchers assessed how rainfall during five recent winters, including three of the wettest on record, affected soil erosion and sediment loss, a key indicator of water quality regulation.  

They compared this against a baseline of ‘modern background’ sediment loss rates based on pre-World War II levels identified using dated lake cores collected from across the UK. 

The scientists said that the findings are “stark”. In pastures that had undergone routine ploughing and reseeding just before winter, sediment loss surged to as much as 2.4 times the expected modern background level.  

But in arable fields growing winter wheat and spring oats, losses were up to 21.7 times higher than the modern background rates. 

The researchers said that these losses translate into significant environmental costs, with damage estimates ranging from £163 to £507 per hectare for permanent pasture and up to a staggering £2,812 per hectare for arable systems over the five winters studied. 

READ MORE: Farming community responds to warning that food production faces growing risk

A wake up call

Professor Adie Collins, lead author of the study, said: “These results highlight the fragility of even our best-managed agricultural systems in the face of increasingly extreme winter wet weather.”  

The expert added that the findings raise serious questions about the long-term sustainability of current farming practices in a changing climate. 

Elevated soil erosion not only depletes farm productivity but also chokes rivers and reservoirs with sediment, damaging habitats, worsening flooding, and increasing water treatment costs.  

As climate patterns shift, experts warn that a failure to adapt land management practices could see these impacts intensify and become more pervasive. 

Professor Collins said that these findings should serve as a “wake-up call” for policymakers, land managers, and the public alike.  

“We urgently need to rethink how we manage agricultural land in the UK if we want to protect the essential ecosystem services that farmland provides,” he concluded. 

READ MORE: Nature Friendly Farming Week launches as UK confronts record drought and rising threats

Read more environmental news. 

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Nestled in the rolling chalk hills of Dorset, Hartcliff Farm has been in the Burt family for more than 50 years. Today, it’s managed by Tim Burt, whose approach to farming is rooted as much in long-term stewardship as it is in productivity. “It’s where I’ve always lived,” he says. “I’ve travelled all over the world for work, but this valley – this patch of land – is home.”

The 32ha farm is predominantly laid to grass, producing hay, haylage and silage for sale. It’s a classic example of low-impact, pasture-based agriculture: no pesticides, no artificial fertilisers, just permanent pasture rich in native grasses, clover, and wildflowers. “I can’t call it organic,”
Tim jokes, “but it’s all natural. And that’s important to us.”

In March 2023, Tim and a group of friends and family came together to plant 600 trees across a half-hectare corner of one of his fields, part of a new woodland created through the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme.

The motivation wasn’t financial: “We just love trees,” Tim explains. “We already had some older woodland on the farm, and we’ve always valued it – not just for the fuel it gives us, but for the wildlife it supports and for the overall feel of the place.”

The decision to plant more trees came after a series of storms over recent years damaged existing woodland, leaving gaps that would take time to recover. “We’ve seen some of the older trees come down, especially oak and ash, andyou start to think about what’s coming next. We wanted to put something in the ground that will still be here in 200 years.”

Choosing to plant

The land Tim chose – a gently sloping corner plot bounded by existing hedgerows – wasn’t especially productive for haymaking. “It was the most obvious place to go for. It wasn’t really used for anything else, and was already a bit enclosed. Plus, it’s got varied soil, so it’s good for a mix of species,” Tim shares.

The decision to go with the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme came after a bit of online searching. “I can’t even remember exactly where I first saw it – it might have been a government site or on social media. But once I looked into it, it just seemed like the most straightforward, well thought-out scheme.

“Everything was clear: what was covered, what kind of support was offered. Some of the other schemes we looked at were a bit vague or more expensive. We also knew we could trust the Woodland Trust. MOREwoods just made sense.”

Through the scheme, landowners planting at least 0.5ha in total of native woodland can receive expert guidance, subsidised trees and planting materials, and follow-up support. For Tim, that made all the difference.

“We had one of the Trust’s outreach advisors come out to visit, and he clearly knew his stuff. He looked at the site, the soil, the surrounding trees and hedgerows, and gave us suggestions on what species would work best. It felt very collaborative – he wasn’t just there to tick boxes.”

The final species mix that Tim settled on was tailored for longevity and resilience; long-lived native trees suited to the hillside and the prevailing winds, species that would stand the test of time and support local biodiversity. “The shortest-lived species in there will last 200 years,” Tim says.

“That’s the kind of scale we’re thinking on.”

Planting day

Once the plan was in place and the trees and materials were delivered, Tim organised a weekend of planting with a group of around 10 friends and family. “We made a bit of a weekend of it. We had a barbeque in the field, gave everyone their batch of trees, and off they
went. There was a lovely sense of community”

The actual planting, while physically demanding, went smoothly – thanks in part to Tim’s preparation. “I’d already dug the holes and done some soil conditioning, which made things easier. The ground is a bit mixed up there, so we wanted to give the trees the best possible start.”

The trees, guards, and stakes arrived in good time and condition, and Tim estimates that even with the odd snapped stake or failed sapling, the majority have taken well. “We’ve had maybe a 10% failure rate, which isn’t bad. We’ve been replacing the gaps with saplings we’ve grown ourselves – sycamore, ash, whatever native species we’ve got.”

From planting to aftercare

Like any young woodland, the trees at Hartcliff Farm have faced challenges. The biggest, according to Tim, are wind and deer. “We’ve got about 80 sika deer living in the neighbouring fields, and they’re mad. They will strip a tree overnight. We’ve also had storms snap a few stakes, so there’s been a bit of ongoing maintenance.”

That said, the aftercare hasn’t been overwhelming. “You’re not out there every day. But it does give you a reason to keep going back, checking in, feeling connected to what you planted. I think that’s part of the joy of it.”

There have been unexpected benefits too. “We’ve got an old woodland that provides all the heat and hot water for the farmhouse, just from storm-damaged wood and pruning. We don’t cut down trees – but we manage what’s there. Having more woodland just adds to that cycle. In the very long-term this new woodland may eventually support that too.”

The ecological impact

For Tim, the primary motivation was always ecological. “It wasn’t a business decision. But any farmer would be foolish to think these things don’t have an impact on the business. More wildlife, more diversity – that’s good for everything.”

Hartcliff Farm is already a haven for birds: swifts and swallows over the hay fields in summer, ground-nesting birds, woodpeckers, buzzards, kites, and a resident family of tawny owls. “The bird life here is incredible,” Tim says. “That tells you that the insect life is thriving too. You don’t always see the pollinators, but the birds are the proof.”

Adding new woodland, in his view, only strengthens that web. “Trees bring shelter, they improve soil, they help with water management. They seed themselves, and that feeds back
into the existing hedgerows and woods. It’s all connected.”

Reflections and future plans

Looking back, Tim is overwhelmingly positive about the experience – though he’s candid about a bump in the road he encountered. “There was a frustrating delay in the middle, where the application seemed to get stuck between the Woodland Trust and the Forestry Commission. However, once someone at the Trust picked it up and took ownership of the process, it moved fast.”

Despite that, he’d recommend the scheme without hesitation – and is already planning to apply again. “We’re looking at two or three other areas around the farm where we could plant. It doesn’t have to be one big block, which is helpful. Something that’s going to help is the ability to combine smaller patches of land to meet the size requirement. That really opens up a lot more options.”

The main constraint is land availability – but Tim is committed to doing more where possible. The MOREhedges scheme doesn’t quite fit the farm, as nearly every field is already hedged, but the appetite for woodland is clearly there.

When asked what he hopes to see in five or 10 years, his answer is simple: “I want the trees
to be growing. I want them not to be eaten by deer. That’s it, really. Just to go out there and see that something we planted is thriving – that’s a good feeling.”

Looking forward

In an agricultural sector facing enormous uncertainty, Tim sees schemes like MOREwoods  becoming increasingly important – if not necessarily for income, then for resilience, biodiversity, and legacy. “It’s not a financial exercise. It’s about long-term thinking. This is the first additive step we’ve taken for ecology on the farm – and it definitely won’t be the last.”

At a time when conversations around the future of farming often focus on volatility and policy shifts, Tim’s approach is grounded and hopeful. “Farming isn’t just about profit margins,” he says. “It’s about landscape, stewardship, continuity. And sometimes, it’s about planting something you’ll never see fully grown – because you know someone else will.”

Read more environmental news.

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The Met Office said that there is potential for more organised rain or showers across parts of southern England and Wales today, 21st May. Odd thunderstorms are also possible. Other areas will continue to experience predominantly fine weather.

Thursday and Friday, 22nd and 23rd May, are set to bring plenty of sunshine, particularly in western areas, while eastern regions remain cloudier. Temperatures will reach the high teens to low 20 degrees Celsius during daytime hours, although eastern coastal areas will remain chilly.

The UK may have some unseasonably cold nights on Thursday and Friday, with some isolated frost possible, Met Office experts said.

Scattered showers in the south may be heavy at times this afternoon, even bringing the odd rumble of thunder

Brighter and sunnier elsewhere, and feeling warm away from the North Sea coast where a cool onshore northerly breeze will persist pic.twitter.com/KDYyZfgFbA

— Met Office (@metoffice) May 21, 2025

The bank holiday weekend sees a marked change in weather type, as deputy chief meteorologist Mark Sidaway explains: “The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell.

“The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and through Saturday. They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places. These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers.

“So, whilst the bank holiday won’t be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected, this weekend represents a notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.”

READ MORE: Farmers urged to plan ahead as UK experiences driest spring in over a century

Exceptionally dry and sunny spring so far

Next week conditions are likely to remain unsettled, with rain, wind and around-average temperatures in the forecast.

The Met Office said that spring 2025 so far has been exceptionally dry and sunny, with records looking set to be broken.

The UK had already recorded more sunshine hours so far this spring than it did for the whole of meteorological summer last year, according to provisional Met Office statistics. But with unsettled conditions in the forecast and still almost two weeks of May to go, there is still plenty of time for things to change.

READ MORE: Nature Friendly Farming Week launches as UK confronts record drought and rising threats

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