South Downs Farm Cluster Network

A network of Farmer Cluster Groups across the South Downs whose members are working together to achieve landscape, habitat and biodiversity benefits

[Richard Benyon @RichardHRBenyon]

Please to mark the one-year anniversary of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme. In just the first year of the programme we’ve seen more than 1000 projects supported across the country. FIPL has delivered across the four themes – Climate, Nature, People and Place

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

This sunshine has sparked the start of harvest 2021! Here is one of our Arun to Adur Farmers combining barley with stunning view of Arundel Castle @sdnpa

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

Great weather over the last couple of days to film a new set of ‘Meet the Farmer’ videos with members of the South Downs Farmers Group. Videos coming out soon....watch this space!
@sdnpa @PortsmouthWater @NFUSouthEast @CLASouthEast

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

A great video from Perching Manor Farm who are members of the Eastern South Downs Farmers Group. It shows foliar nitrogen application being undertaken as part of a trial with The Aquifer Partnership (TAP) https://t.co/V3rflT8pjC
@sdnpa @AquiferPartners

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

Spring is in the air and it's all systems go at Saddlecombe Farm, part of the Eastern South Downs Farmers Group #saddlescombe #lambing2021
@CamillaandRoly @sdnpa

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

Spring cultivations in full swing at Perching Manor Farm, part of the Eastern South Downs Farmers Group
@sdnpa

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

Conservation grazing with cattle and bagot goats on Beeding Hill SSSI....amazing bird song today too!
@sdnpa

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

@SomptingDowns @CLM_consultancy @sdnpa @Ranger_sdnpa Hi @SomptingDowns. It may be worth contacting your local SDNPA Ranger, I'm sure they would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you
@Ranger_sdnpa

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

SDNPA Rangers using a remote flail to cut back scrub on a farm in the Eastern South Downs Farmers Group. The farms Bagot Goats will follow-up and control the re-growth to give the chalk grassland plants a chance to come through
@CLM_consultancy @sdnpa @Ranger_sdnpa

[Perdix Wildlife Supplies @Perdixwildlife]

The #BFBC by the @Gameandwildlife is taking place now! Please take 30 minutes to count the birds on your farm.

[anthony weston @anthonycweston]

ICYMI https://t.co/jSN5QMDEO9 Talking about the #BNG pilot with @SDFarmClusters farmer @ifordben in the @sdnpa

Will #BNG offer greater opportunities for farms and the environment than #ELM? @CLM_consultancy

[anthony weston @anthonycweston]

@SDFarmClusters farmer @ifordben discussing @NaturalEngland Biodiversity Net Gain pilot project 2day at Lewes Brooks #sssi in @sdnpa . Coming to a radio near you soon!
Is #BNG the answer to #landscapescale #naturerecovery? Can we produce food and #BNG?

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

https://t.co/JRnBzoVFdY
Find out more about Eastern South Downs Farmers Group members Camilla and Roly Puzey's transition to regenerative grazing and how it is already benefiting their stock and soils
@AquiferPartners @sdnpa @CLM_consultancy

[NFU South East @NFUSouthEast]

On #WorldSoilsDay we're highlighting the sterling work of #SouthDowns farmers to protect this natural asset with @sdnpa @SDFarmClusters @NFUtweets @NFUSussexSurrey
https://t.co/utGuXeCTco

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

Great to hear that the work being undertaken by the Arun to Adur Farmers Group is working!

[Alice Parfitt @Aliceparfitt]

I haven't seen any corn buntings for a while so it was good to catch up with around 30 this morning, not far from Chantry car park. Also good numbers of yellowhammer and linnet. @SussexOrnitholo @SussexBirding @SDFarmClusters

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

By leaving the sedges to grow tall, this Arun to Adur Farmers Group member has created a haven for Water Vole in the Arun valley
@sdnpa

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

Winchester Downs Cluster Operational Plan https://t.co/B0UQsfGzTN
In this weeks blog, find out how things have gone over the last four years for the Winchester Downs Cluster, and how they use their operational plan to record and track their group objectives
@sdnpa

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

TAP foliar nitrogen application trial https://t.co/FPg90Mfqpz
In our latest blog, The Aquifer Partnership (TAP) share a case study trialing foliar N application at Paythorne Farm managed by ESDFG member David Ellin
@AquiferPartners
@CLM_consultancy

[South Downs Farm Cluster Network @SDFarmClusters]

Great photos @Aliceparfitt!

[Alice Parfitt @Aliceparfitt]

Another walk on the South Downs this morning. Field margins still flowering well and a lovely old Ash tree. @SDFarmClusters @sdnpa