As we take stock following the very successful completion and launch of the Exmoor Farms book we wanted to thank the Exmoor Society for their positive collaboration in bringing it to frustration. The project was very much a joint effort drawing on the varying skills and resources of the 2 organisations. 

Two of the core purposes of the Society are to better understand and support the role of upland farmers and farming in maintaining the national park. To this end it makes a sense for the network and the farming community to continue to engage with the Society and it's members particularly now when it is critical for the wider community to understand our role and value.

If you would like to find out more about the work of the Exmoor Society or become a member you can visit their website at www.exmoorsociety.com

Ian May (Chairman) and Katherine Williams (Network Manager) were delighted to attend a reception hosted by The Royal Countryside Fund (RCF) at Buckingham Palace earlier this week, following an invitation from their Royal Founding Patron, His Majesty The King. This special occasion marked The Royal Countryside Fund’s fifteen anniversary, supporting organisations like us through their Farm Support Group Initiative, bringing together representatives from 32 farm support groups from across the UK, supported by the Fund, to recognise the crucial role our groups play in supporting farming families. 

Last year, RCF awarded £250,000 in grants, which enabled farm support groups like us to benefit from core funding. From the range of services as the go to hub for the farming community. From training opportunities to peer support group facilitation, the funding from RCF has helped improve a wide range of skill sets, supporting local farming businesses.

This event brought us together not only to celebrate the achievements of these farm support groups and to recognise their invaluable contributions to their local communities during these particularly challenging times, but RCF’s commitment to standing by us all and Britain’s farmers, whose need for their vital help and guidance is as important as ever. Together, through mutual support and collaboration, RCF are doing all they can to ensure the future of our farming families on whose back rests the economic vitality and beauty of rural Britain.

We recently said a fond farewell to Rebecca Kelland, who has been an invaluable part of the network team carrying out a work placement opportunity over the past six months. Since joining us in September 2024, Rebecca has contributed to a variety of projects and tasks, bringing enthusiasm and gained valuable experience whilst shadowing the team.

Working closely with Katherine she played a key role in some of the administration tasks of Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor, exhibition preparation and ensuring books reached readers from Northumberland to Germany, Kent to Wales. Katherine and Beth will especially miss hearing all about the YFC adventures and reminiscing about their own YFC days nearly 20 years ago! It has been wonderful to see Rebecca’s confidence grow throughout her placement, and we are grateful for the time she spent with us.

We wish her all the best in her next chapter!

We were delighted to be joined by 29 individuals last night to enjoy our final Farmer Supper at The Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross. It was wonderful to see how the room was full of conversation and a true sense of community. We felt it was very special in bringing like minded people together, especially in these challenging times. Overall we have welcomed 78 individuals over three suppers from Blackmoor Gate to Hawkridge to Wheddon Cross. Thankyou to Shirley Julian for providing the most delicious steak pie and a dessert cooked to perfection. If you missed these suppers this time, please keep an eye on our newsletter as we hope to make in a future event!

A massive ''Thankyou'' from the team.

Over 130 people from the Exmoor farming community enjoyed a traditional breakfast at Winsford Village Hall last week. A grand total of £1,446 was raised and will be split between EHFN, FCN and RABI for their ongoing work supporting farming families. A huge thank you to Shirley Julian, and her kitchen helpers who worked so very hard to provide us with the most delicious, cooked breakfast. Thank you to all the other helpers for their assistance in making the event such a success. We were absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown for this event and a massive thank you to Mole Valley Farmers for their contribution.

 Please save the date for next year: Sunday 22nd February 2026

We are delighted arrange two Farmer suppers across Exmoor over the forthcoming weeks. Our first supper will be held on Thursday 30th January at Blackmoor Gate Market. The Second will be held on Wednesday 5th February at Hawkridge village hall. We hope you will be able to join us at one of these evenings.

For further information click here.

Booking is essential for catering and dietary requirements at admin@ehfn.org.uk

The Auction Market is more than just the livestock auction playing a vital role within our farming community. The ring was turned into a Winter Wonderland preparing everyone for the Christmas spirit. Over 300 people from Exmoor’s farming community joined the Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) and The Farming Community Network (FCN) for their second Carol Service in the Auction ring at Cutcombe Market on Monday 16th December. The service warmly welcome Bishop Michael Bealsey from Bath and Wells Diocese and was conducted by Rev. David Weir who oversees 8 churches located within the Exmoor Benefice. The service brought together people of all ages across Exmoor and we were delighted to welcome school children from Cutcombe and Exford First Schools to sing in the ring’’. Readings were read by local farmers and representatives from Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions and the Exmoor Rural Health Hub. The evening finished with a complimentary beef stew arranged by Heywood’s Cafe and festive delights served in poultry room.

Katherine Williams, Network Manager said ‘’ At a time when the farming community faces significant challenges, the support shown during this event was very heartwarming. It is difficult to put into words, but it was truly humbling and something I feel privileged to be part of.

Rev. David Weir said ‘The cattle market is a very significant place for people here on Exmoor. Singing in the Ring is a lovely opportunity to gather and celebrate all the life that gathers around the market and the mutual support available, from the Hill Farm Network, the Farming Community Network, the chaplains, the local church, the Health Hub, the Café. This was a celebration of all of that and it was great to have our Bishop here to share in the celebration.’

Charmain Dascombe, Regional Support Officer, Farming Community Network said ‘’ It was a fantastic evening bringing members of the farming community from Exmoor and beyond together, it also served as a reminder during these challenging times that ‘we are not alone’. I felt very honoured to represent FCN and our amazing volunteers as we continue to support the farming community”.

A grand total of £1101.58 was raised from donations and a prize draw which will be split between FCN and Exmoor Benefice. Thank you to the local businesses, Exmoor Trust - also known as Exmoor Charitable Trust and the volunteers who gave up their time preparing and on the evening.

Save the date for next years’ service: Monday 15th December 2025.

On behalf of the Directors and team at the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, we would like to extend our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Thank you for your continued support throughout 2024. It has been an exciting and busy year for the Network, marking our 10th Anniversary and the launch of Exmoor Farms A Year on the Moor this autumn. As we look ahead to 2025, the Network remains committed to supporting you through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With significant changes, challenging conditions, and as policy evolves, farmers’ resilience and adaptability will remain crucial to the future of the sector. 

And singing in the ring and our Christmas hours.

 Thanks

Following yesterday’s budget announcement Ward and Co have kindly provided the following update. We will arrange an open meeting later in November to discuss in further detail.

Find out more here.

Do you want to better understand the policy changes that will affect the future of your farm business?

Farm for the Future is our FREE business and environment programme which will help you tackle any challenges you face and grasp the opportunities on offer linked to the agricultural transition.

Our locally delivered programme will take a whole farm and family approach to help you:

• Understand more about current policy changes and how they will affect your business.

• Provide tools and advice to help you make changes to your business.

• Understand how you can practically improve the management of your farmed environment.

From October 2024 to January 2025. We will deliver a flexible and engaging programme of workshops, online learning, signposting, 1:1 support, peer networking, and tailored support with local trusted advisors within the Greater Exmoor area.

This welcome meeting will start at 7pm. To register your interest please contact us at the office or sign up here.

Representatives from the Exmoor Hill Farming Network attended the first Royal Garden Party of the year at Buckingham Palace last week.

Katherine Williams, Network Manager and Ian May, Chairman were among 8,000 guests invited to spend the afternoon in the magnificent gardens of Buckingham Palace.

They were hosted by HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla accompanied by the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

Garden Parties were established to allow the Royal Family to meet a broad range of people from all walks of life, who have made a positive impact in their community and celebrating their achievements.

The Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) celebrates its 10^th Anniversary this year and has become a respected go-to hub for farming information, training and networking on Exmoor and its surrounding areas. The Network is regarded as one of the UK’s most successful and active farmer networks and has received national recognition. 

Katherine has been involved since its inception as Network Officer and in recent years Network Manager. She has seen the Network evolve which now supports 450 farming businesses located in the Greater Exmoor area.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Royal Countryside Fund said, “The Royal Countryside Fund was delighted to nominate representatives from the Exmoor Hill Farming Network to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party in recognition of the terrific work they do in their community to support local farmers. We are proud to be a longstanding supporter of EHFN and to work with them in providing free support to small family farms through our Farm for the Future programme.”

In addition to the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, The Royal Countryside Fund invited representatives from other Farm Support Groups, including The Farming Life Centre and Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services, as well as rural community organisations, North Norfolk Community Transport and Hour Community.

The Exmoor Hill Farming Network will be hosting an Animal Health and Welfare grant demonstration afternoon with a range of local suppliers at the livestock site at Blackmoor Gate.

Date: Thursday 18th April 2024

Time: 12 - 4pm

Venue: Blackmoor Gate Market, Blackmoor Gate nr Barnstaple by kind permission of Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions Ltd.

The market canteen will be open for all your refreshment needs.

Application deadline for the above: 1st May at noon.

We appreciate the timescales are tricky with the current busy farming calendar, however after much consideration with partners we are eager to see this event happen.

Confirmed suppliers to date:  Mason Kings, Harpers Feeds, Bridgmans, Mc Veigh Parker, RAPPA, Scotpen and Bateman. Further suppliers to be confirmed later this week.

Grants for Productivity and Slurry Management items

This application window will close at midday on 17 April 2024. Please note this is a separate application process.

Please see link below.

These grants are available through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2024.

Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024: guidance now available

Please click the links below to find out more information.

Animal Welfare

Productivity and Slurry Management

This year Exmoor National Park Authority is working in partnership with the RSPB to survey Exmoor’s moorland breeding bird population. We are very excited that we’ve managed to secure the funding for this important survey which is being provided from Natural England, Southwest Peatland Partnership, National Trust, the Exmoor Society, Devon Birds and the Exmoor Heartlands Landscape Recovery Project. The survey area we are intending to cover is the whole of the Section 3 moorland so that includes all moorland Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).  We will be contacting all moorland landowners over the next few weeks to ask their agreement for ENPA staff to survey the open access areas.  

The survey will provide useful information about the status of moorland birds on Exmoor and build on previous surveys, such as those undertaken in 2002, 2008 and 2014, which you may remember.   The information gathered will provide invaluable information to help inform future agri-environment grant applications and landscape-scale projects such as the Landscape Recovery Schemes on Exmoor. It will also be fed back to Natural England to help inform their condition assessments on moorland Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

 The survey will be carried out by four experienced surveyors which will begin in mid April and continue until mid to late July.  The survey involves two visits to individual 1km squares so that breeding specie scan be accurately recorded and recording some habitat details to help understand any changes in bird populations.   Exmoor is a strong hold for whinchat, cuckoo, grasshopper warbler, tree pipit and Dartford warbler. Peatland restoration is boosting snipe, with dunlin returning after a 100-yearabsence.

 The survey results will be available after Christmas and we aim to feed back to all moorland owners and managers information relating to their own moorland area.  This will be in the form of bespoke moorland bird plans which will give full information on all bird data gathered on each moorland site including an assessment of the importance of the site and habitat recommendations for key moorland bird species. In order to be able to provide these individual moorland bird plans, we are applying to the Farming in Protected Landscapes Scheme for a small amount of additional funding. This information should be hugely beneficial and helpful to land owners providing them with up-to-date bird data for their moorland.  We would greatly appreciate it if you could show your support for this project by completing the simple attached form which will help demonstrate the need for this survey.  If you are a moorland owner or manager, you can indicate this on the form.

The Exmoor Hill Farming Network celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year . EHFN was established in February 2014 to improve the viability and sustainability of Exmoor farming businesses through knowledge-transfer, peer-group support, training, and co-operation to safeguard upland farming, rural employment, and landscape management.

The Network is regarded as one of the UK’s most successful and active farmer networks and has received national recognition over the years, regularly supporting over 450 farm businesses across the greater Exmoor area. This year Exmoor celebrates the 70th anniversary of its designation as a National Park. To mark these milestones, EHFN and the Exmoor Society have commissioned a book called Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor and an exhibition to accompany this that will explore what it means to farm this beautiful corner of the UK’s uplands in the 21st century.

We are working with local author Victoria Eveleigh and photographer Eleanor Davis to produce this. Whilst the book is firmly underway, we look forward to sharing details of the launch event in October 2024 at Dunster Show on Friday 16th August. A big thankyou to our board of directors for all their hard work behind the scenes and thankyou to our sponsors and everyone for supporting us on this network journey.

Here’s to the next 10 years!

Please spend 10-15 minutes answering the following questions about your experience of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network over the last 3 years. There are six sections and your views will help inform us of the future development of the Network.

If you would like to provide your email address you will automatically be added to a prize draw with the chance to win a ‘Breakfast Hamper’. You email address will only be used for this purpose.

All responses are held in confidence, help us shape your farmer led network.

Complete the Survey here

Deadline date for survey: Friday 19th April 2024

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) brought farmers and local members of the community together from across Exmoor for their annual breakfast event. 

The wet weather conditions did not dampen spirits on Sunday morning, when over 150 people from the Exmoor farming community enjoyed a traditional breakfast at Winsford Village Hall on Sunday (25^th) February. A grand total of £1,191 was raised and will be split between The Farming Community Network and The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute, to assist with their ongoing work supporting farming families in need across the area. A huge thank you to members of EHFN’s Women in Farming Group Shirley Julian, chief cook and kitchen helpers Judith Fewings, Tracey Speed and Caroline Case who worked so very hard to provide us with the most delicious, cooked breakfast.

We are thrilled to announce that the Exmoor Hill Farming Network has been awarded a grant in the latest round of funding from @CountrysideFund!



Thanks to their support, we will be able to continue to provide a range of support to farming businesses across the Greater Exmoor area. #CommunityImpact #RuralResilience

With thanks to match funding from London Hearts both Exmoor Livestock Markets situated at Cutcombe and Blackmoor Gate have lifesaving defibrillators which are accessible to the public 24/7. 

London Hearts, a charity providing funding grants to make defibrillators more affordable to communities and organisations across the country have provided match-funding for this initiative.

Peter Huntley, Manager of Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions said“ If somebody has an accident or a heart attack at the market site, it’s imperative we act quickly as it could be a matter of life or death. We have farmers of all ages coming to the market and if the defibrillator saves one life, then it’s invaluable.

Katherine Williams, Exmoor Hill Farming Network Manager said: “The aim of our organisation is to support the farming community across Exmoor in a variety of ways. These vital machines will be become a respected community asset in a time of need. EHFN and Exmoor Rural Health Hub (ERHH) have both contributed to the purchases. Ian May, EHFN Chairman added ‘’ We were eager to ensure the defibrillators were available to the farming community and members of the public 24/7. We will look to work to train staff and members of the farming community to make the most effective use of them’’.

Olivia Winterton, ERHH Trustee said ‘When the ERHH were approached by the Exmoor Hill Farming Network to support the London Hearts match-funding initiative to get more defibrillators into rural communities, we had no hesitation in offering to fund one of the two machines which have now been installed at the two Exmoor Farmers Livestock markets. Being able to provide potential lifesaving machines for the Exmoor markets perfectly satisfies one of the primary aims of our charity: to deliver access to health and mental well-being support for the farming and wider community on and around Exmoor’.

The defibrillator models supplied at Blackmoor Gate and Cutcombe Markets are registered with both Devon and Somerset Ambulance Service’s through a dedicated website portal.

What an inspiring way to finish the year.

The Auction Market is more than just the livestock auction playing a vital role within our farming community. The ring was turned into a Winter Wonderland preparing everyone for the Christmas spirt.

Over 230 people from Exmoor’s farming community joined the Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) and The Farming Community Network (FCN) for their first ever Carol Service in the Auction ring at Cutcombe Market on Monday 18^th December . The service was conducted by Rev. David Weir who oversees 8 churches located within the Exmoor Benefice. Katherine Williams, Network Manager said’’ We were completely humbled by the support shown from the local community in making the evening such a success with a wonderful atmosphere. The service brought together people of all ages across Exmoor and we were delighted to welcome school children from Cutcombe and Exford First Schools to sing in the ring’’. Readings were read by local farmers and representatives from Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions and the Exmoor Rural Health Hub. The evening finished with a complimentary beef stew arranged by Heywood’s Cafe and festive delights served in poultry room.

Rev. David Weir said ’’ Singing in the Ring was a wonderful gathering around the Christmas message of peace and good will to all, beautifully expressing the way our community works together and supports each other throughout the year. Katherine Williams is an exceptional person with a great understanding of our community, commitment and ability to mobilise us into action for the good of all.

Stephen Dennis FCN ‘s Regional lead said “What an amazing night bringing so many of those within the farming community together from Exmoor and beyond. It was a real privilege to represent FCN on behalf of Charmain and the other volunteers in the area as we seek to support our farming families.

The great relationship between the EHFN , the rural church support through Rev David Weir , Andy Gerrard plus the Health hub and FCN gives an excellent network of support to those in the farming community when needed. Let’s hope those individuals can feel confident to reach out for support when they need it!”.

A grand total of £609.25 was raised from donations and a prize draw which will be split between FCN and Exmoor Benefice. Thank you to many local businesses for their support and members of EHFN who gave up their time preparing and on the evening.

Thank you to all those who joined Exmoor Hill Farmers Network on Wednesday 29th November at Exford Memorial Hall to listen to the prospects of setting up an Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) on Exmoor. It was an enjoyable evening with valuable discussion. Please see below a summary of the evening. For those who weren’t able to attend, please see here a link to the recording of the event.

Thank you to all those who attended. As mentioned during the evening, if you would like to join those who have already expressed their support for the creation of an EFG for Greater Exmoor, we are asking you to fill in an expression of interest form using this link: Joining EFG – Environmental Farmers Group. This commits you to nothing but helps us to understand the support in the area and how we could best set up an Exmoor Steering Group.

Summary:

Richard and Ian opened the evening, explaining why they had invited EFG to speak and welcoming EHFN members as well as the evening’s speakers, Teresa Dent CBE (Chief Executive, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust) and Digby Sowerby (Operations Officer, Natural Capital Advisory).

Teresa spoke first with the history of how the EFG model - a farmer-owned and farmer-led cooperative - has developed and the scale it has achieved to date. Teresa noted how there was a need for a farmer-led approach in the Natural Capital market to ensure that farmers are able to earn fair financial reward for delivering environmental services. By working together, Teresa suggested that there were benefits not only commercially for farmers, but for the environment and for the buyers themselves. Teresa explained EFG’s ‘equalisation model’ which means that all farmers who join EFG – however much they can participate – are able to benefit financially as part of the co-operative. Teresa also outlined EFG’s core environmental objectives being reversal of biodiversity loss/ species recovery; cleaner water in rivers; and net carbon zero farming by 2040.

Digby then gave his presentation on the commercial landscape. Digby provided firstly an overview of the different potential buyers of natural capital and what they were looking for from farmers. Digby talked about how EFG works to ensure that farmers are earning fair financial reward and outlined an example of how a Biodiversity Net Gain trade might work financially (as well as warning of some of the risks of this market). Digby summed up by outlining some of the drivers of emerging natural capital markets and outlining EFG’s trading activity to date.

To wrap up, the evening culminated with an engaging question and answer session, with topics including:

opportunities for farms who might already have a high environmental baseline,

risk of greenwashing by engaging in natural capital markets,

how Exmoor might be able to attract environmental trades taking in considering its location,

the obligations farmers need to consider in committing to trade deals,

how EFG works with other organisations in the interest of farmer Members, and

the potential implications of programmes such as the Greener Farms Commitment

The Network has been successful in obtaining a Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) grant this spring to help members improve the sustainability of their farming business without having to make costly outlays to carry out nature friendly farming practices. The equipment range includes a selection of Shearwell EID Readers and Printers, Tru Test EC10 Plate Meters, Soil Dibbers and a Heavy Consort Pipe Layer. This equipment is available from 2 days – 7 days at a time. This small selection of equipment is available to all farmers and landowners within the Exmoor National Park. This initiative will also facilitate knowledge sharing amongst the farming community. If this proves successful we will look to expand the range of equipment on offer.

** Small administration fee applies**.



For further information , please contact Beth admin@ehfn.org.uk / 01643 841455 to discuss your requirements.

EHFN marked the 8^th year of Back British Farming Day organised by the NFU on Wednesday (September 13). Katherine was invited to attend a reception at No 10 Downing Street. Joined by industry stakeholders, MP’s and representation from across the UK including Ulster Farmers Union and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. We were joined by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Therese Coffey and Minister of State Mark Spencer to celebrate our farming community. In her opening address, Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said farmers are “the bedrock of our communities, right around the countryside, but more importantly our farmers are the people who put the food on our plates”. “I want to assure everybody who has come here to celebrate and back British farming that absolutely, this government is on your side.”

Katherine reported ‘’It was a great opportunity to network with other representatives from the across the country to share common interests and challenges and build on key working relationships for the future. At recent peer support meeting with the Forward Farming Group, we made our own plea to support British Farming, watch the video here:

Yesterday (6th April 2023), we hosted a short visit from the Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP, Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries on Exmoor as part of a two-day trip to the South West including stops in Penzance and on Dartmoor. Thank you to the Collins family for allowing us to visit their working beef and sheep farm at the busiest time of year, as we greeted him at their lambing shed near Hawkridge.

We took the opportunity to raise current issues facing all farmers on Exmoor and in particular highlighting the future of our family farms who play an essential role managing our iconic landscape, as well as creating local job opportunities, engaging within our rural communities, and developing skill sets for future generations. We also had the opportunity to chat about the network, support schemes, trade, and the animal health pathway.

We were blessed with a beautiful but windy day where the Minister enjoyed a visit to Withypool Common to observe the moorland management systems and the specular views towards Winsford Hill and beyond. He was also blessed with an appearance from a small herd of Exmoor Ponies. We look forward to welcoming him back soon.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, a book called Exmoor Farms: A Year on the Moor may be published (subject to funding) in collaboration with the Exmoor Society for publication in October 2024. An exhibition is also planned, to coincide with the book launch. The idea is to chart a year of Exmoor farming life, starting in April, and include farms and farmers from all over the National Park. If you would like your farm to be included, if possible, and / or there's a particular aspect of your farming life that you're proud of or feel strongly about, please email Katherine katherine@ehfn.org.uk by Tuesday 11^th April 2023.

We are delighted to see the continuation of Exmoor Farmers, Masons Kings and NFU sponsorship for the forthcoming year. We look forward to building on our solid working relationships to benefit our farming community over the forthcoming months.

A brand-new online directory of businesses operating in and around Exmoor National Park has been launched as part of the Rural Enterprise Exmoor initiative which seeks to retain greater community wealth in the area. The site can be found at https://directory.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk and already has over 200 listings, with other businesses from all sectors urged to sign-up for free.

A priority for the Rural Enterprise Exmoor vision, developed by the National Park Authority alongside partners, has been connecting businesses across the area and encouraging individuals and businesses to use local tradesmen, services, suppliers, and producers to retain greater economic benefits to the area while minimising impacts on the special environment of Exmoor.

Users of the free directory can search for a business by name, search a specific area to find nearby businesses or browse by sector such as business services, local trades, or health and wellbeing.

Dan James, Rural Enterprise Manager at Exmoor National Park Authority said: “Developing an easy-to-use online directory of business operating within the National Park has long been an ambition shared by businesses and stakeholders alike to support our rural economy. I am therefore delighted that the directory is now available for everyone to use. Whether you are an Exmoor business, a resident, or a visitor you can now search for local businesses operating in all sectors.”

“There are over 1300 businesses operating within the National Park and eventually we’d like to see all of them included in the directory. Businesses can submit their own entry online and it’s free. We hope that the directory will become the first port of call for anyone looking for a business or service, supporting others in the area, and I encourage every business to upload their details as soon as possible.”

The directory has been launched following the publication of a suite of new guides to doing business within the National Park, providing practical ideas and information for local businesses to make the most of the opportunities afforded by the area.

“Through Rural Enterprise Exmoor we aim to develop strategies to benefit businesses right across the board, while conserving the special qualities of the National Park”, continued Dan.

“The directory therefore highlights those businesses contributing positively to the work of the National Park as Park Partners putting the National Park at the heart of all they do, as CareMoor for Exmoor Champions raising funds for conservation and access work or, as Dark Sky friendly businesses. We want to celebrate these businesses for going the extra mile for our protected and much-loved landscapes whilst working closely with other businesses and local communities.” 



The site has been developed by South West based MiHi Digital, with funding support from the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund (via Somerset County Council).

This week, the Exmoor Hill Farming Network Directors and I paid our respects to Robert Deane, who suddenly passed away on 3rd February 2023. Robert established Rural Focus Ltd in 2015 - an environmental consultancy firm across the South West and working in other areas of the UK. In 2017, he worked closely with the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, the Exmoor National Park Authority and others to produce Exmoor’s Ambition: a document proposing a new approach to agricultural policy, which was nationally recognised. Robert became an integral part of our Network team in early 2018, providing strategic support to the steering group. After completing a governance review in 2019, he was instrumental in the Network's transition to a Community Interest Company in February 2020.

Chris Eveleigh, EHFN Director, said: "I feel very lucky to have had the privilege of knowing Robert through his work with the Exmoor Hill Farming Network. His breadth of knowledge about farming, wildlife and economics was exceptional but, until I heard the eulogies given by his family and friends in the packed church in Payhembury, I hadn't realised the full extent of his talents and interests - from rowing and sailing to the village school and church choir. He seemed to have an instinctive feel for what was needed in any situation, and how to balance different opinions or ideas while allowing everyone to have a voice. Robert was instrumental in the success of the EHFN, and we will all miss his guidance as we take the Network forward."

"Robert has been a huge support and mentor to me over the past 3 years, and he was held in high regard amongst the Directors. His extensive knowledge of the environment and business support, his ability to respond to the ongoing changes in agricultural policies and his wide range of contacts have been key to the Network’s success. He has played a major part in fighting for hill farmers to survive and thrive and has brought people together from different perspectives. On a personal note, he has helped me immensely with my own development and will be sorely missed. We continue to send our prayers and thoughts to his wife Ceri, his daughters, Georgie and Hettie and families."
Katherine

Following on from Defra’s announcement yesterday, they have published further information on the growth and rollout of their environmental land management scheme which includes the full range of actions, payment rates and when they’ll be available.  The full document is available to read on GOV.UK.

Please join us for an online workshop on the latest announcements under the Farm for the Future Programme:

Topic: ELM update with Adam Lockyear, FWAG

Date: Thursday 16^th  February 2023

Time: 7pm – 8.30pm via zoom.

Link to follow next week

Below is a quick summary which Adam will cover in more detail:

 The Sustainable Farming Incentive

The offer under the Sustainable Framing Incentive Scheme has been broadened from the core elements of the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Defra states that “this scheme pays to carry out farming activities in a more environmentally sustainable way so that you can produce food alongside environmental goods and services”. In June 2022, it was launched with 3 standards The Sustainable Farming Incentive:

• arable and horticulture soils standard
• improved grassland soils standard (relevant to Exmoor)
• moorland standard (relevant to Exmoor)

Today a further 6 new standards have been announced for 2023 which includes:

• nutrient management standard
• integrated pest management standard
• hedgerows standard (relevant to Exmoor)
• arable and horticultural land standard
• improved grassland standard (relevant to Exmoor)
• low/no input grassland standard (relevant to Exmoor)

Anyone in an SFI agreement will be able to add these actions and more land. Agreements last for 3 years and if you’re a tenant farmer, you do not need landlord consent to take part. If you carry out the actions, payments will go to you. You can leave the scheme early, with no penalty, if you unexpectedly lose management control of the land you’ve entered into the scheme.

Defra will expand on some of the detail over the coming weeks including the new SFI Management Payment (£20/HA up to 50HA) which they announced recently Introducing SFI Management Payments and changes to Countryside Stewardship rates - Future Farming (blog.gov.uk). The aim of this scheme is to be able to stack payments and options where applicable so its worth looking at the current guidance and the new standards with further the information available shortly

Annual Health and Welfare Review

As part of the wider SFI offer Defra have started to roll out the funded vet-led annual health and welfare review with a small numbers of farmers. They have blogged about this previously Payments to improve animal health and welfare - Future Farming (blog.gov.uk) and it looks now as if it may be launched in February 2023. Its worth noting that associated with the review will be new animal welfare grants which may include costs towards livestock housing. Further details due to be announced in the spring. 

Countryside Stewardship

Defra recently reviewed payment rates for revenue (existing and new agreements) and capital options in Countryside Stewardship (CS) for agreements starting from the 1^st January 2023. The old 2 Year CS Capital grant has now been expanded with a delivery framework over 3 years and includes the updated grant rates. The official Capital payments rate guidance can be found on GOV.UK.

Changes to CS for this year includes:

• expanding the capital offer to include specific items to help farmers and land managers prepare for habitat creation and restoration
• further expanding the Catchment Sensitive Farming offer
• allowing Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement holders to take up CS agreements alongside their HLS agreement, for example, to create or restore habitats
• bringing some Higher Tier options into Mid Tier to support wider take-up of biodiversity-friendly options, and increasing options available in the Wildlife Offers and Wild Pollinator and Farm Wildlife Packages
• introducing an annual declaration in place of the current burdensome revenue claim process for all CS agreements.

The Higher Tier and Mid-Tier and Wildlife Offer windows will open shortly for applications. Defra have also clarified that the much vaulted Local Nature Recovery scheme will now be morphed into a new offer called Countryside Stewardship Plus. This will reward farmers for taking coordinated action, working with neighbouring farms and landowners to support climate and nature aims and they state that they will “continue to evolve the scheme over the course of this year and into 2024”. The evolution of the Countryside Stewardship scheme will see around 30 additional actions available to farmers by the end of 2024. As the schemes evolve over the next 2 years they intend to offer SFI and CS in a single, integrated service allowing a combination of actions from both schemes to suit individual farm needs. Where there are similar actions in both SFI and CS parity of payment rates will be maintained across both schemes.

Farmers with a CS agreement can also have a SFI agreement as long as Defra are not paying for the same actions twice on the same piece of land and the actions are compatible. The scheme will include the England Woodland Creation Offer once it has been migrated. Defra have indicated they will improve access for tenants and expand access to Higher Tier options and agreements.

Landscape Recovery

Landscape Recovery funds a smaller number of longer-term, larger-scale, bespoke projects to enhance the natural environment and deliver significant benefits. This requires a high degree of collaboration and is a comparatively complex and challenging process so considerable time and effort is needed to develop an application. Defra blogged with an update on the first round Landscape Recovery projects last month and will feature more projects on the blog in the coming months. New applications will be welcomed in spring this year (target 25 nationally) and in 2024 with the second round focussing on net zero, protected sites and habitat creation. This could include landscape-scale projects creating and enhancing woodland, peatland, nature reserves and protected sites such as ancient woodlands, wetlands and salt marshes. More details to be announced soon.

As ever a lot of information to read through and assimilate. As more detail becomes available, we will continue to share with you.

Please save the date for now.

Finalist in the Outstanding Achievement Category.

Dave Knight has anonymously been nominated in the Outstanding Achievement category of the 2022 South West Farmer Awards. Dave will be attending this annual awards evening on Thursday 10^th November at Woodbury Park Hotel near Exeter after being shortlisted as a finalist. The winner is chosen by an industry led panel of judges. If anyone is interested to attend, please contact the office for ticket information.

Devon’s Premier Primestock Show - Join us on Wednesday 2nd November at Westpoint, Exeter to celebrate the very best in primestock cattle and sheep.

Discover over 50 agricultural business stands from a varied range of local and national companies, showcasing new and innovative products and services. Meet fellow farmers and agricultural professionals from across Devon and the South West and engage with our exciting line up of speakers. EHFN will be in attendance with Farm Cornwall and Dartmoor Hill Farm Project so do pop over and say Hello! New this year, its FREE to attend. Visit their website for further information click here

It was a privilege to visit Cumbria with 10 members of our Next Generation Group last week. We visited a range of upland hill farms using native breeds to produce beef and lamb and talked through the characteristics of the breeds used to graze the fells and environmental management systems.

We visited Penrith Auction Mart for their prize show of Swaledale, Herdwick hill ewes and visited a wonderful exhibition #fortyfarms showcasing 40 Cumbria farms through photography giving the general public an insight into the rural way of life in this National Park. We met with our fellow friends from the @farmernetwork with Adam Day, Veronica and Donna joining us for an evening meal and giving us a useful update on their work and farming in the Lake District.

Thanks to Matt and Dani Blair from This Farming Life for welcoming us to Thrimby talking all things from tenancies, food production, environment and the TV series and their hopes for the future. We visited Pooley Bridge and Ullswater which is 7 miles long and full of water nestled under the magnificent backdrop of the Cumbria fells.

Thank you to the Westmorland Family particularly Dave and his wonderful team at @tebayservices for welcoming us to the farm shop talking about the family business which has grown into a well-established outlet for producing local produce on the M6. We stopped at Junction 36 on the way home to meet with Matthew Probert from North West Auctions and talked about their large livestock operation, future of marts and presentation of stock is key.

Huge thanks to the @farmernetwork for their local knowledge and support. Being part of the Prince’s Countryside Fund Farm Support Networks has enabled us to make these vital contacts to broaden our experiences and knowledge nationally with common interests. @countrysidefund.

#lookslikeapostcard #pictureperfect #keepingitreal #presentationsells #fellsnothills #knowledgeexchangeandtransfer #networking #stonewallsfordays #martnotmarket

We are inviting local farm businesses to join Farm for the Future, which we are delivering with The Prince’s Countryside Fund.

Farm for the Future will help farms within the Greater Exmoor area to navigate changes in policy and become more resilient and sustainable. The programme will provide business support so farmers can manage the upcoming changes and make informed decisions about their future, and discover opportunities with the ELM schemes that may financially and practically benefit the farm. Every farmer who participates will become a member of The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s Farm Resilience Network which provides a bank of resources and ongoing support. 

The programme consists of a welcome meeting, two workshops and one to one support. Workshops will be held on Exmoor. Any tenant or owner-occupied farm currently in receipt of BPS in England is eligible to join – even if you have already participated in a programme run by The Prince’s Countryside Fund. Farm for the Future is funded by Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund.

For more information and to express interest in taking part please visit www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/farmforthefuture or contact Katherine Williams, Network Manager katherine@ehfn.org.uk or 07970 795 808.

For further information click here

 L-R: Jennifer Duke, High Sheriff of Somerset 2022 and Dave Knight at Dunster Show

Exmoor hill farmer awarded The High Sheriff of Somerset's Award for his invaluable contribution to the local farming community.

Dave Knight, long standing Chairman of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) has stepped down after nearly a decade at the helm. A retirement celebration was arranged at Dunster Show in West Somerset, where over 100 people gathered to show their support and say thank you for his dedication and inclusive leadership. During his tenure, Dave has cultivated an independent farmer led network, providing information, skills and ongoing support for the Exmoor farming community.

EHFN supports 375 farming businesses within the Greater Exmoor area and has become one of the UK’s most successful farmer networks in the country. It was established in 2014 to improve the viability and sustainability of Exmoor farming businesses.

Much to Dave’s surprise, Jennifer Duke, High Sheriff of Somerset presented Dave with a High Sheriff's Award for his voluntary contribution and invaluable service to his county.

Jennifer Duke, High Sheriff of Somerset 2022 said ‘’Dave has shown unwavering dedication to his local community in spearheading the development of the EHFN and providing a collective voice for Exmoor farmers. Alongside many other initiatives, Dave and his team have increased access to training on the moor and ensured much needed support for the younger generation. This High Sheriff’s Award recognises Dave for his outstanding contribution to the community."

On receiving the award, Dave said ‘’I am completely overwhelmed to receive such a prestigious award, I feel very honoured to have been recognised for my time as Chairman. I'm proud of the positive impact the Network has had on so many of our Exmoor farmers and feel extremely privileged to be part of it’’.

The Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) is delighted to be working with the Exmoor Society to provide a Next Generation Training Grant programme. This is supporting 21 young people on Exmoor with vocational and technical training this winter, covering Health and Safety, Safe use of Pesticides and Cross Cut and Maintenance Chainsaw courses.

We recognizethe importance of engaging with people under 40 (the Next Generation Group) to further their farming businesses or careers in the agricultural sector within the Greater Exmoor area. The Network does this through many knowledge exchange and transfer events incorporating technology, changes in farming policies and visiting each other’s farms, sharing own experiences are some of the most productive meetings.

Katherine Williams from Exmoor Hill Farming Network said“We understand the financial implications of these compulsory courses and how vital they are to see the development of people furthering their skill sets across the moor’’.

One of the recipients, Jack Buckingham (28), pictured,farming with his parents on a beef and sheep farm near Brompton Regis and also working part time as a farm business consultant specialising in grass based livestock production systems said: "Completing the course and receiving the grant has benefited me as I am now qualified and confident in taking on all the pesticide application work on our family farm. It has helped with the understanding of how the machinery we use is best operated to get the best results.’’

Rachel Thomas, Chairman, Exmoor Society said: “The Exmoor Society, a conservation charity, is pleased to support the work of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network and its Next Generation Training Grant. This grant ranges from helping young people gain expertise in pesticide use, understanding how machinery is best operated on Exmoor’s upland farms to assisting grass based livestock production systems that will benefit the farm business, local community and environment. The Exmoor Society has for over a decade supported younger people through its annual Pinnacle Award that aims to show the connection between making a livelihood in a national park and contributing to finding solutions to biodiversity loss and adapting to climate change and other values."

Further to this, the Network has recently awarded The Dunster Show Society with a £2,000 donation towards their Bursary Programmefor 2022.

Dave Knight EHFN Chairman said: "We acknowledge the generous donations from the Society over the past few years towards our activities, and fully appreciate the financial strain that the pandemic has hadonshow activities’’.

EHFN has developed a training grant ( max £200) to help Next Generation members ( under 40’s) afford the cost of technical training. Member’s businesses are entitled to one voucher per year and can be used for Safe use of Pesticides or Chainsaw courses. These certificates are legal requirements but are particularly expensive for Next Generation members to fund without financial assistance. The grant will be awarded on the basis of received applications on applicants who qualify for their proposed training. Training must be completed between November 2021 and 31st January 2022. This is funding is made available with kind support from the Exmoor Society. To apply, please use the attached application form and contact the office for prices.

Application deadline Monday 15th November by noon.

Download the Application Form here

Date: Monday 6th December 2021 Time: 10am – 4.30pm
Venue: Cutcombe Market Canteen, Wheddon Cross

FREE worth £65p
Course content
Scene setting – statistics and HSE Regulation
Exactly who does and doesn’t need training
Which course or qualification is needed

How often/when people need to be trained
What records are useful, relating to on-the-job training as well as courses attended
.An introduction to Risk Assessments

The focus of this course is to raise awareness to the causes of accidents (fatalities and serious injuries) on farms, as well as blowing the cobwebs off H&S Regulations to understand what they are, how they affect each farm business and how to comply. It is an interactive course, with time allowed for everyone to consider how everything applies to their personal scenario. This is achieved with case studies and activities, sharing experiences and top tips, as well as encouraging questions throughout the course. Lunch will be provided, please let us know any dietary or allergen requirements. A certificate of attendance will be provided. If you are a member not eligible for this free course but would be interested in attending, please contact the office for further information.

The above training opportunities are made available with kind support from the Exmoor Society.     

A two year project is underway to demonstrate the effectiveness of a community-led approach to reduce the incidence of sheep scab. Led by the Moredun Research Institute who have been successful in securing Defra / RDPE funding; a collaboration between The National Sheep Association and the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, will work to deliver the project in the South West. To date we have signed up over half of our target of 100 farms in the area. This project will include free blood testing, on farm veterinary advice and training to enable a coordinated approach to controlling sheep scab.

We would like welcome Kirsty Bishop who has joined our team as part-time administrative support. Kirsty was born and raised on Exmoor and is now raising her own children here, she will be providing day to day administration duties and supporting network activities alongside Katherine. Kirsty is working three days a week on a fixed term contact until 31^st March 2022.

During August, 28 members of our ‘Women in Farming Group’ met on farm near Simonsbath for their annual summer walk to celebrate The Prince's Countryside Fund ‘Tea in the Countryside’ celebration - a celebratory tea party to raise money to support their work. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has had a fundamental effect on the Network’s activities, many of which came to a halt. However, the Network has remained open, based remotely and available to members as a source of trusted information and at the forefront, responding to the needs of our farming community here on Exmoor and in the Greater Exmoor area. 

It has been a long 18 months and the women were glad to meet again face to face. Bringing like-minded people together to celebrate the British countryside and to raise awareness of the challenges facing rural communities. We were delighted to have raised £173.00 for The Prince's Countryside Fund to continue their great work supporting organisations like ourselves.

A Defra-funded trial on 26 Exmoor farms and smallholdings has helped provide evidence to Government for the true cost of delivering public goods in a National Park alongside a viable farm business.

Working with the Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) and environmental consultancy firm Rural Focus, Exmoor National Park Authority was commissioned by Defra to test principles for mapping the delivery of public goods on individual farms, to help identify key areas for investment and collaboration.

It’s hoped the findings will help identify ways to better support farmers in protected landscapes ahead of the transition to the government’s new flagship scheme for Environmental Land Management (ELM), and a new pilot due to take place later this year.

Chris and Paula Williams (pictured) work in partnership with Chris’s parents to run two farms on Exmoor - a family-owned Exmoor hill farm on the edge of Winsford Hill and a National Trust tenanted farm on the Holnicote Estate near Minehead. They have a family of 3 boys, around 70 suckler cows and 700 ewes, and are in the process of setting up a luxury glamping enterprise.

Commenting on why they got involved in the trial, Paula said: “For us it’s about building resilience across our farms to help sustain the business and ensure that a future in farming is as viable for the next generation. We want to get to know every aspect of our farm’s potential and play our part in helping Defra understand the true contribution hill farming makes towards caring for the landscape.”dvice.”

At an online EHFN event held last night (Wednesday 26^th May) to report on the findings, Robert Deane of Rural Focus told farmers: “We combined several layers of data to build a picture of what each farm delivers for the environment and for people and created heat maps to show the potential to scale up these activities. The outgoing basic payments scheme simply isn’t set up to account for this level of detail and in some ways hasn’t properly incentivised farmers wanting to ‘do the right thing’ for nature. This is particularly true in upland areas like Exmoor, where a volatile market and tighter margins leave very little room for manoeuvre. Based on our findings, we hope the new system will be fairer and simpler.”

Key findings fed-back to Defra in the final report include: 

Potential threats to important designated habitats in upland areas like Exmoor. Any fall in farm payments could drive a drop in land under agri-environment schemes. Sites such as heather moorland, wetlands and wood pasture were identified as particularly vulnerable, because the grazing regimes that sustain them often only marginally benefit the farm business. Figures reported by National Parks England already show a downward trend, with a nearly 17% drop in the amount of farmland on Exmoor under such schemes since 2015.

Potential barriers to farms being able to access ELM funding. The report draws attention to high demand for skilled advisors to help draw up ELM proposals, with 88% of respondents to a survey of EHFN members stating they expect to need the services of an adviser to help them complete their ELM Land Management Plan, but only around half knowing where they might get this advice.

Opportunities for achieving nature recovery at landscape scale. Mapping of farm clusters helped provide evidence for collaborative working on shared environmental outcomes. For example helping to create nature corridors or deliver improvements to water quality or flood resilience. This could help with mapping out Nature Recovery Networks, which may become a requirement for Local Authorities if proposals in the new Environmental Bill are enacted.

Difficulty accounting for farming’s contribution to ‘sense of place’ – the features of the landscape and local culture that come together to create the overall experience. The report highlights more research is needed to be able to quantify aspects such as cultural heritage, historic features, wildlife, public access and engagement.

The work builds on an earlier ‘Exmoor’s Ambition’ report presented to former Secretary of State Michael Gove on a visit to Exmoor in June 2018.

Dave Knight, Chair of the EHFN, said: “An idea that started with farmers around the kitchen table has grown into a living example of how the future of farm policy might work under a new system of awarding public money for public goods. Around 56% of the national park is farmland and we hope this report goes some way towards demonstrating to Government what we have to offer, and how best our industry can be supported to deliver multiple benefits for people and nature.”

Alex Farris, Conservation Manager at Exmoor National Park Authority, who ledthe trial, said: “What’s been particularly encouraging about this trial is the sheer opportunity for farm clusters to link up their assets, like field margins, hedgerows, wood pasture and restored hay meadows, to make an even greater contribution. It’s this kind of landscape scale nature restoration that hasn’t been achievable until now and that could prove the lifeline for many of our native species as we face the realities of climate change.”

We are delighted to announce The Prince’s Countryside Fund has awarded EHFN with a grant to fund a proportion of the Network Officer’s post until 31^st March 2022. PCF have been instrumental in the success of EHFN since our inception in 2014 in supporting us to deliver our network activities and tackle rural isolation. EHFN has had to adapt quickly to the new technology portals since Covid-19 and respond to the needs of our farming community highlighting the importance of mental health and maintain consistency. EHFN is part of the PCF’s Farm Support Groups Initiative, which enables 40 groups from across the UK to share best practice, knowledge, and advice.

Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “British farming is facing relentless uncertainty, but The Prince’s Countryside Fund offers family farms access to immediate, local and practical support and a path to a sustainable future. One of the ways we ensure this is through our support of Farm Support Groups like EHFN.”

City and Guilds NPTC PA Qualifications -SAFE USE OF PESTICIDES

PA1 Date: Tuesday 25^th May 2021  Venue: Blackmoor Gate Area Time: 9.15am -4pm.  The day will consist of a class room based training and the online assessment will be taken at the end of the day (multiple choice questions) you will be given up to a 1 hour to complete. We are coordinating the delivery of training on Exmoor for the City and Guilds courses: PA1 (Mandatory)- Foundation Course for all sprayer operators in safe use of pesticides; PA2  Foundation Course for Ground Crop Sprayers Mounted or Trailed training on tbc June 2021, venue tbc and PA6 - Hand Held Applicator training on tbc June 2021 and venue tbc. For further information please contact the office.

NPTC level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Transport of Animals

We are receiving increasing enquires surrounding farm assurance schemes requesting to see the above certification. If this course is of interest please contact us. Date: Tuesday 25^th May 2021 Venue: Blackmoor Gate Area Time: 1.30pm Are you looking to complete your NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence in the Transport of Animals by Road (short journeys) This is for anyone who transports animals as an economic activity on journeys over 65km in distance and up to 8 hours in duration. You have up to an hour to complete the assessment in the form of a multiple choice paper of 27 questions ( 21 correct answers required to pass).Cost: 1 species: £105 (Please note that sheep and cattle are classed as 1 species ) and 2 species  £125 (species listed below). Species: Cattle and Sheep, Pigs, Sheep, Cattle, Horses, Goats, Poultry, Game birds. For further information please contact the office katherine@ehfn.org.uk 07970 795808.

Level 2 Emergency at Work First Aid Course (one day) June 2021

Date: Tuesday 1^st June 2021 Venue: The Shoot Room, Filleigh by kind permission of The Castle Hill Estate. Cost: £55pp Time: 9am for 9.15am start-4pm. Areas covered include: Aims and principles of first aid, legalities, responsibilities, record keeping and reporting, assessment of the situation, basic hygiene in first aid, shock, dealing with an unconscious casualty, seizure, resuscitation/ CPR/ defibrillators, minor injuries, bleeding control, coronavirus, choking, heart attacks and angina. Places are limited. If the interest is high we will arrange a course in the Exford area later this summer. Please register your interest for either option.

Level 2 Food Safety in Catering Course ( one day) June 2021

Do you prepare or sell food? Do you run a B&B, Pub, Hotel, catering business or events incorporating food. Designed for anyone who handles food, particularly for catering purposes including B&B/guest houses, shoot lunches, fundraising events, parties, weddings etc. A 20 question multiple choice test to follow at the end of the day, up to 1 hour. This course will be arranged for late June. Thank you to those who expressed their interest in November 2020 and you will be offered a place first. If you haven’t registered and would like to complete the course, please get in touch.

The new Livestock Information Service needs help from you, your members and colleagues

We need to build the new multi-species livestock traceability service for England, based on good quality input and feedback from farmers and the livestock industry. This new single, multi-species service will incrementally replace ARAMS, CTS Online and eAML2 – the current systems for sheep/goats, cattle and pigs. The Programme has been progressing development of the new online system and has engaged with different users from various farming systems and backgrounds. We're now expanding our user group to form wider 'user communities' who will help further review and test the online system and help us develop the ‘fit for purpose’ service. We’re looking to you, to help recruit all kinds of people – farmers, farm secretaries, auctioneers, abattoir managers; from smallholders who record livestock movements on paper or by phone - through to larger farmers who use current online services or farm software. We respect that time is valuable – any input would be to suit those who would like to help.

If you or any of your members want to get involved, please email comms@livestockinformation.org.uk, and we'll be back in touch with more details. In the meantime, you can find out more about the ambition for the new Livestock Information Ltd If you need any further

The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme Exmoor Area – places still available this Summer 2021

Due to Covid restrictions and a delayed start to the Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme there are still places available for this FREE programme, starting this summer. 

It is a series of FREE business skills workshops delivered by top agricultural consultants, especially designed for family farm businesses. It covers topics such as business planning, practical cost management, business health check/bench marking and much more.

To express an interest or for any queries please contact Charmain Dascombe (local co-ordinator – Exmoor Area) charmainfrp@gmail.com or 07881 406306. Open to all members in the Exmoor and Greater Exmoor area.

EHFN involved in a national project to demonstrate improved methods for controlling sheep scab, working with The National Sheep Association (NSA).

NSA and EHFN has welcomed the launch of a new initiative exploring a structured approach to controlling sheep scab – and looks forward to delivering the work on Exmoor and in the Greater Exmoor Area.

NSA and EHFN are just two of a number of partners involved in the two-year initiative, funded by Defra via the Rural Development Programme for England and led by Moredun. It is fully supportive of the concept of using on-farm advice, training and testing to drive a coordinated approach to controlling sheep scab in the three focus areas in England selected for the project – North West, Midlands and South West. With a strong regional presence, NSA has identified Exmoor as an area suitable and will work with EHFN to deliver the project aims. Working with people already on the ground, will bring together sheep farmers, their vets, and advisors into appropriate clusters.

Given its role throughout the UK, NSA is also ideally placed to extrapolate learnings from the projects to elsewhere in the region and throughout England, as well as linking with and comparing to existing initiatives in the devolved UK nations.Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says: “Sheep scab continues to be a health and economic problem with significant costs to the UK sheep industry. Many outbreaks are ‘imposed’ on farmers through actions outside their control which is why co-ordinated control programmes need to be implemented. By integrating blood-testing, sound advice and good training, there is a strong chance to show how we could bring this debilitating disease under control. The number of farmers to be recruited to this project means it a far step from a national eradication programme – but the partnership approach and strong execution means it has the potential to be the benchmark and launch pad for future, larger initiatives. That is why NSA was so keen to be involved. It is an exciting community-led approach involving a team of experts who will work collaboratively with farmers to drive and demonstrate real change - hopefully leading to even greater things in the future.”

Farmers wishing to find out more and how to get involved in the project should contact Katherine Williams, in strictest confidence katherine@ehfn.org.uk 07970 795808. We will be holding a series of zoom open meetings for farmers to attend in May. This project is led by Moredun Research Institute and supported through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union.

Exmoor Hill Farming Network were delighted to be involved in the initial discussions , working with West Ilkerton Farm.

Thank you to the Eveleigh Family for showcasing how we farm with nature on Exmoor.

It is clear Covid – 19 is producing a new normal in the way businesses need to use IT, especially in remote upland locations like Exmoor. Many of EHFN farming businesses encounter huge challenges with the lack of technical know-how, confidence, Wi-Fi related issues and knowledge of hardware/software systems. This winter EHFN has delivered a series of online sessions and videos working with Exmoor IT to tackle IT issues affecting our members. This programme was funded by the Princes Countryside Fund, supported by The NFU Mutual Charitable Fund, using its Covid-19 Grants Programme for Farmer Support Groups.

During this pandemic, the Network had to quickly adapt in the way in which we continued to support our members, by bringing mental health and rural isolation to the top of the agenda in these uncertain times using the latest technology portals.

Dave Knight EHFN Chairman said, “It has a been a challenging year for us all, adapting to the new normal and entering the brave new world of Zoom calls, which let’s face it is a place no farmer ever wanted to be. But we are embracing the challenges and even the least tech savvy of us are now comfortable conversing over laptop, although I think it’s safe to say we’d still prefer the farm table /social club and the chat amongst fellow farmers.

“But one thing the pandemic has highlighted is the importance of looking after each other’s health and wellbeing. And while Exmoor is a heavenly place to be stuck in a lockdown, we can perhaps all do more to reach out to our neighbours and offer a chat or some friendly support as we continue our journey through uncertain times.”

The Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) was established in early 2014 to improve the sustainability of Exmoor’s farming businesses and tackle rural isolation. EHFN currently supports around 330 farming businesses on Exmoor and its surrounding areas. It has achieved this through training, co-operation and friendship so that now, seven years on, it has become the ‘go-to hub’ for information and contacts, used by a wide variety of land-based businesses and overseen by Network Officer, Katherine Williams.

One of the Network’s biggest achievements to date was a decision that a fully-fledged independent route was in the best interest of Exmoor’s farming communities and in Feb 2020, EHFN became a Community Interest Company – 100% farmer led. This move has meant greater independence and attracted new sources of funding which has been most welcomed during Covid-19. The farmer led board is overseen by 11 directors and 4 advisory board members, led by Dave Knight.

The Network organises a wide range of events for farmers to learn, share and collaborate through a mix of discussion groups, visits, and specialist knowledge/training events.

Since February 2018, 198 farming businesses have been directly supported and 140 events have been arranged, attracting over 1,000 attendees. These events are often in collaboration with other partner organisations. One of the aims of the Network is to encourage the next generation of farmers, so it is particularly encouraging that there are now 80 ‘Next Generation’ members under 40 years old engaging with network activities. Training is organised for a wide range of qualifications, from farm related legislative requirements including trailer tests, spraying to food hygiene – which helps to open up employment and business opportunities – and through its commercial advertisement service, members have found work experience or permanent employment. Local farm-based businesses also find the Network helpful.

Over the past 3 years EHFN has:

Engaged with over 540 separate individuals.

Working with over 60 key partners

· collaborative working with conservation bodies and others to conserve Exmoor’s environment. This includes South West Water’s Headwaters of the Exe project and Natural England’s Exmoor Coastal Streams Facilitation Fund.

· Hosting of the Prince’s Farm Resilience programme which runs from Summer 21 and involves a series of free farm business support workshops.

EHFN has worked with its members and the Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) to prepare Exmoor’s Ambition, a post Brexit farm and environment support proposal. This document advocates a new approach to enhancing our internationally important landscapes and the many public benefits that good farming and other land managing businesses can provide. Since early 2020 EHFN has been involved with ENPA and FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) in delivering one of Defra’s Test and Trials for Environmental Land Management (E.L.M). This pilot has involved 25 farms focusing on assessing Natural Capital assets.

We have collaboratively produced an Exmoor Lamb Register with 13 farm businesses selling direct from their farm to the consumer.

Further to this, EHFN was selected as part of the Future Farming Resilience Project for Defra during 2020, The Social Value Engine took data on key outputs of the Network’s activity. Overall, this evaluation showed that during 2019-20 (prior to the Covid-19 pandemic), the Network provided a social return of £11.35 for every £1 invested in running its activities.

As we move forward this spring to secure long-term funding. EHFN has set out some key objectives for 2021-2023:

The go-to hub for farmers on Exmoor

Health and wellbeing

The next generation

Business support

Exploring new income opportunities for farmers.

Securing the Network’s future

The majority of the costs of running the Network has been met by funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund, Exmoor National Park Authority and North Devon Council, and securing future funding now is paramount to the continuation this spring. Other key partners and sponsors include Masons Kings, NFU, Dunster Show Society, Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions, Azets, Exmoor Society, The Timbescombe Trust, Badgworthy Land Company, Exmoor Trust and, new for 2021, the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC).



If you are business or funding organisation that could help EHFN with its income streams, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We have been in contact with our regular training providers and confirm the earliest Trailer training and tests will resume at present is 12^th April. We have a number of candidates awaiting from Spring 2020 being priority. We have a extensive backlog of training needs, due to lambing and calving we will not resume until later this spring. If you are not registered for a training course including chainsaw, trailer test, please get in touch. If you are in desperate need of a chainsaw course before the end of April please contact us. We will resume the Food Safety as soon as safe to do so and rely on government guidelines going forward.

The 2020 winner of the prestigious Pinnacle Award, run by the Exmoor Society, is Caroline Westcott, a qualified freelance private chef whose family have been farming on Exmoor for over 500 years.Taking the plunge in 2018, Caroline decided to embark on a new career in catering by training at the Ashburton Chef Academy, Dartmoor, giving her the confidence to prepare and serve food at a professional level. Through the winter months, she earned a living cooking for guns at local shoots and the rest of the year working for private clients employing people on an ad hoc basis. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on her new-found business with loss of income. Caroline’s business idea is to become more flexible and resilient to changing circumstances by enhancing cold food storage capacity through acquiring a refrigerated trailer allowing her to cater for a greater number of people, including at outdoor events, and to further her brand, publicity and range of eclectic menus from Pan-fried Scallops, Wood Pigeon Salad, Pheasant Au Vin to Fillet of Beef plus menus catering for other dietary requirements.

The Pinnacle Award in 2020 was raised from £3,000 to £5,000 in order to invest in, or develop, a good business proposal. Caroline said: “When I heard I had won the Award I was absolutely thrilled and grateful to The Exmoor Society for enabling me to develop my new business”. Because of the excellent applications, many from those having lost their jobs because of the pandemic, the judges were keen to encourage young people, 20 to 35 years old, to stay in the area, to develop their entrepreneurial skills through a good business case. Caroline demonstrated her desire to make use of Exmoor’s excellent source of food, showed potential for employing other people and offered a service for both the local community and visitors.

Society chairman, Rachel Thomas said: “As a conservation charity, we wish to demonstrate that living or working in or near one of England’s finest landscapes can encourage local employment and economic activity. By focusing on Exmoor’s special qualities, the old canard “national parks versus jobs” need no longer apply”.

Caroline has an eclectic choice of menu options to suit whatever your occasion, number of guests and budget. Based on Exmoor, Caroline is willing to travel, is very happy to cater to your needs, and can provide additional waiting staff. For further enquiries or a quote please call or email.

Tel: 07866 599535 Email: caroline_westcott@hotmail.co.uk Instagram: @caroline_westcott

Red Tractor was established 20 years ago to reassure consumers that food bearing its logo was safe and responsibly produced. Initially the focus was on food safety, animal welfare and environmental protection but as with all industries, the scheme has evolved to meet changing demands and expectations. This successful evolution has meant that Red Tractor has become the UK’s most trusted food assurance scheme. Many retailers, caterers and brands use Red Tractor as part of their buying specification. This provides farmers and growers with considerable market access, without needing to meet several differing standards and different audits. However, at a time of ever-increasing scrutiny, preserving the public’s trust in UK agriculture has never been more important. We cannot afford to be complacent; it is vital that Red Tractor’s standards move with the times to ensure they address changes in legislation, best practice and reflect emerging issues on consumer’s minds. Red Tractor is holding a webinar for their members on Wednesday 24th February 12 noon - 1.30pm. Click here webinar link.

Areas of proposed changes include:

Protecting the Environment

Workers Welfare

Clarity and Consistency

Animal Health and Welfare

Animal Husbandry

Animal Medicines

For further details view the Red Tractor Review summary document here or view in full here ASSURED FOOD STANDARDS BOARD MEETING (redtractor.org.uk)

Click here to feed into the consultation Red Tractor - Citizen Space Consultation ends: 5^th March 2021