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Farmer in a field of wheat, Devon

Balancing food production and nature

Farming with nature can support your business, and there’s tailored guidance and support available 

Practical steps like improving soil health and adding buffer strips can deliver real business benefits.

  • Lower input costs, higher margins
    Improved nutrient-retention and practices like integrated pest management can cut your reliance on costly fertilisers and pesticides.
  • Reduced soil erosion
    Buffer strips protect your land, slowing runoff, reducing erosion, and safeguarding watercourses.
  • Improved farm productivity
    Healthy soil retains more water and nutrients which can increase yields and build resilience to extreme weather events.
  • Access to premium markets
    Farmers adopting sustainable practices can tap into premium markets with higher prices.


Farmers across England are increasing the resilience and profitability of their businesses. You could too.

Find out how below:

Buffer strips

Buffer strips on your land can slow down water runoff, catch soil before it washes away, and keep your topsoil where it belongs – on your land. Over time, that could mean less erosion, better yields, and fewer problems with flooding or waterlogging. Hear from Patrick in Suffolk and learn more here.

 

Soil management

Everything starts with soilSoil health underpins crop and livestock health and productivity. Implementing things like a nutrient management plan, winter cover crops or herbal leys can improve yieldsbuild resilience to drought and flooding, and reduce reliance on fertilisers. Explore soil management resources and hear from Charlie, a tenant farmer in Norfolk.

 

Support available 

Explore guidance using the links above, speak to Natural England’s Catchment Sensitive Farming team, or attend an upcoming event.   


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