Sustainable farming collaboration across the Upper Beult
Supported by Kent Wildlife Trust and Southern Water, the Upper Beult Farmer Cluster encourages farmer-to-farmer learning and development by sharing skills, knowledge and resources.
What is a Farmer Cluster?
A farmer cluster is made up of farmers, landowners and land managers working together to help shape and support more sustainable farming to achieve a shared vision for the local landscape. Clusters are farmer-led, with members deciding which projects to undertake.
As a core partner, Southern Water shares collective goals with the cluster which include more sustainable use of pesticides and the improvement of water quality and storage in the catchment.
Working in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, the cluster also aims to restore and create priority habitats, focussing on the cluster’s flagship species, whilst supporting the trust’s wider mission to increase wildlife abundance and climate resilience across the county.
Members can participate in a range of on-farm projects to improve the landscape for the people and wildlife of Kent.
The Benefits of Joining the Farmer Cluster
Accessing expert support for grant applications and
distinctive funding for members
Shaping what happens in the River Beult catchment
with farmer-led initiatives and collaborative projects
Developing knowledge through skill-sharing and regular events and workshops
Reducing isolation by working as part of a larger group with plenty of opportunities for networking
Improving water quality across the catchment
Restoring and creating habitats to increase landscape
resilience whilst reducing reliance on chemical inputs
Providing opportunities to shape agri-environmental
policy, and representation at local and regional levels
Land Holdings within the Upper Beult Farmer Cluster
The farmer cluster has access to funding for specific initiatives, with grants awarded at the discretion of
Southern Water.
Advice and support for grant applications is available to members, as well as timely notification of new government funding schemes. Trusted working relationships are developed between cluster members through a programme of training, events and regular meetings.
The cluster receives support and advice from a Farmer Cluster Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust. Cluster Officers facilitate meetings and carry out farm visits, becoming a trusted advisor to members.
Farmer Cluster Officers also coordinate training to help members shape more sustainable farming practices and will seek out additional funding opportunities which support the aims and objectives of the cluster.
Are you interested in becoming an
Upper Beult Farmer Cluster member?
Why not apply for free membership?
“Without doubt farming and the environment are facing unprecedented challenges with providing sustainable, low cost food at the same time as replenishing soil health and ecological wellbeing.
At Stonehall Farm we are undertaking projects to enhance our soil health by rotating cover crops, providing better ecology for wildlife through extensive buffer strips and contributing to flood mitigation with a network of leaky dams. There is so much to learn so the opportunity, through the cluster group, to collaborate with other farmers, landowners and stakeholders is invaluable.”
Will Samuelson
Stonehall Farm, Ulcombe.