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Talking fields: lessons from a summer with farmers

Durham Wildlife Trust land advice stand at Weardale Show.

As summer draws to a close and the fields start to quieten, our Land Advice Manager, Stephen, looks back on show ground conversations with farmers, smallholders and land managers across the North East.

As the nights start to draw in and the seasons shift, my focus as a farm and land advisor also changes. 

This summer, I have spoken to a host of smallholders, livestock farmers, arable farmers, woodland owners, and equestrian businesses at agricultural shows and local events across the North-east. 

Now feels to me to be a good time to pause and reflect on what I heard this year. 

Making land work for wildlife and business

It has undoubtably been a challenging year for British farming, between the rising cost of production, livestock diseases, and drought. However, many people also told me about the work that they're already doing for wildlife and are rightly incredibly proud of. In terms of landscape and the environment some shared concerns over water and shade availability, wild bird population declines, and the future resilience of their land. 

Repeatedly, similar themes came up: how do I know if what I'm doing for wildlife is working? where would be appropriate to plant hedges or scrub? how can ponds and wet areas can sit alongside food production? how to make sense of a changing funding landscape?

The need for stable funding options supporting both environment and production outcomes was firmly stated, as was needing access to local and independent advice and support.

A row of vintage tractors displayed on a grassy field under a cloudy sky. The nearest tractor is grey with visible engine parts and a round headlight, followed by a bright blue tractor marked “5000” and a red Case tractor in the background. Event tents and canopies with logos are visible behind them, suggesting an agricultural show or machinery exhibition.

Tractors at Wolsingham show.

Three cattle are being shown by handlers in white coats at an agricultural show on a grassy field. A judge in a tan jacket walks nearby, inspecting the animals. The cattle have white and reddish-brown coats and wear halters with number tags. Behind them, tents, vehicles, and banners—including one reading “David Teward”—line the field under a cloudy sky, with spectators and exhibitors in the distance.

Shorthorn cattle on display at Bowes Show.

Prepare to succeed

This is where I hope to help. Daily, I see how well-planned changes and adaptations can support wildlife while also benefiting farm businesses; improving shelter, water management, soil health and land resilience.  The current challenge is joining all the dots.

The main source of agri-environment public funding nationally, the Sustainable Farming Incentive reopened this week and promptly closed six hours later, with demand far outstripping supply. Leaving many feeling many feeling frustrated.

Now is the time to have a clear, deliverable environmental plan which makes sense for your business and your land.

What remains open for applications now is a unique, but limited, opportunity for farmers to access funding from Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. The focus here is to restore or manage species-rich grassland, normally with aid of livestock and hay cuts, along with a small selection of other options.

Corporate funding, supply chain incentives, charitable grants, The Farmer Collaboration Fund, Biodiversity Net Gain and Local Nature Recovery Strategies in County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Tees Valley all also offer potential opportunities for farmers going forward. 

A small brown cricket rests on a painted rock decorated with a white daisy featuring a yellow centre and green leaves. The rock sits on a colourful background with printed text and images, creating a contrast between the natural insect and the hand‑painted artwork.

Cricket at Wolsingham Show

A large bull sculpture made entirely from interlinked rust‑coloured metal chains stands on grass beneath a partly cloudy blue sky. The chain links form the animal’s body, head, ears, and legs, creating a textured, open structure. A white tent is visible behind it, and a red‑and‑white British Heart Foundation donation bucket sits nearby, suggesting the sculpture is part of a charity display or event.

Steven Nesbitt's chain bull.

A man stands smiling beside a bright green Durham Wildlife Trust tent at an outdoor event under a clear blue sky. The tent displays the trust’s logo and signage offering “Land management advice.” Inside, tables are covered with blue cloths featuring the logo and filled with wildlife‑themed materials and leaflets. Trees line the background, and the scene conveys a friendly, informative atmosphere promoting local conservation.

Stephen Thompson on the Land Management Advice stand at Wolsingham Show.

Let’s talk about your land

Whether you are thinking about funding options, gathering information or looking at specific site improvements, an initial conversation can help turn ideas into practical next steps. 

If you farm or manage land in County Durham, Darlington, Gateshead, Sunderland or South Tyneside, Contact us about free, local, independent advice about your land.

Find out more.

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